Palaszczuk Government commits to road tolling inquiry

The Palaszczuk Government has strengthened its commitment to Queensland motorists, capping off its blockbuster Roads and Transport budget allocation with a Parliamentary inquiry into tolling in Queensland.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had committed to establishing a Parliamentary Inquiry with a report expected to be handed to the Legislative Assembly by the 13^th of September.

 “In March 2018 we passed legislative amendments to improve toll road commuter outcomes – and commend Transurban Queensland for implementing a new tolling enforcement and compliance regime, which has reduced the referral of unpaid tolls to the State Penalties Enforcement Register by approximately 85 per cent.

 “This has delivered real results for motorists. But we are always looking for ways to improve.”

Minister Bailey said the Transport and Public Works Committee would invite tolling operator Transurban Queensland, the Tolling Customer Ombudsman, the Queensland Ombudsman, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Brisbane City Council to all attend the Committee.

The inquiry will look at:

- The operation of existing toll roads in South-East Queensland;

- Toll pricing and incentive options to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders; 

- The operation of the existing complaint process and current statistics;

- Possible measures to continue to improve customer service standards; and

- The existing relationship between the Tolling Customer Ombudsman and the Queensland Ombudsman.

 “This is another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to prioritise Queensland commuters and build for the future,” Mr Bailey said.

 “We have delivered a record investment in roads and transport funding for a third year in a row.

 “Our $21.7 Billion program of works delivering critical roads and transport infrastructure across the State over four years, is a funding program the LNP would never have implemented. In fact the LNP cut $600 million from roads and transport funding during their term.

 “While our funding will also support about 19,200 direct jobs, let’s not forget they slashed 700 RoadTek jobs when in power, and thousands of jobs from TMR, reducing their overall workforce by 22.4%.”

 Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was rising to the task of providing road and public transport infrastructure for the rapidly growing south East Queensland region.

 “Our main priority remains Cross River Rail, a $5.4 billion project that once finished, will take thousands of motorists off the road, declutter the rail network, and create a much easier commute for South East Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.

 “We are committed to investing in public transport and roads to directly benefit commuters wanting to spend less time on the road, and more time at home with family, and to making tolling a fairer experience for all Queenslanders.”

ENDS:

Carmel Robertson; 0439 347 875