June 28 2002
Opposition Support for Government Transport Changes Welcomed
Acting Transport Minister Judith Tizard today welcomed the Opposition’s support for the government’s proposed land
transport legislation.
“I am very glad that the Opposition have agreed to support this legislation. Their transport spokesperson says that our
proposals to allow public-private partnerships and greater use of tolling are ‘essential tools’ to fix New Zealand’s
roading problems.
“She is absolutely right.”
The Opposition could be assured that land transport legislation will be introduced as soon as possible after the
election. The legislation was ready, on schedule, to be introduced this month but could not be as the Parliamentary
session ended, said Ms Tizard.
“In the meantime I find the Opposition attacks on Transfund appalling. Transfund has noted the government’s priorities
for land transport and carefully worked within their existing legislation to ensure this year’s land transport funding
reflects those priorities. It is outrageous to suggest that they have acted improperly.
“The Opposition also clearly does not understand how land transport funding is allocated. Of the $227 million funding
package we announced in February, $34 million is for road safety, which Transfund is not responsible for.
“In addition, because that package was for the 16 months from February, some of it has been used already to fund much
needed improvements to land transport.”
Ends