The Minns Labor Government has quietly walked back a core election commitment to the people of Western Sydney, confirming it will only proceed with a partial section of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, rather than delivering the line in full as promised.
Today’s announcement and media reporting confirm that Labor will now build Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in two stages, with no funding certainty, timetable or completion date for the full line.
This decision will leave families and workers in Wentworth Point and the Olympic Park precinct waiting years longer for the public transport they were promised before the last election.
Before the election, Labor made a clear commitment to the people of Western Sydney to deliver the full Stage 2 line and provide certainty for some of the fastest growing communities in NSW.
Instead, Western Sydney is today being given spin, excuses, and half a light rail line. But don’t take our word for it, here is what Labor said:
Chris Minns, then-Opposition Leader, on 6 January 2023 :
“We need to get this right. We want to make sure that we’re putting in infrastructure for the fast growing western suburbs of Sydney. This is a key announcement as part of our jigsaw puzzle for this fast growing part of New South Wales, and if we’re elected, we will complete this piece of transport infrastructure for Western Sydney.”
Chris Minns, as Premier, on 3 June 2024:
“People moved into the area with the promise of infrastructure that never arrived. The NSW Labor Government is now delivering.”
Jo Haylen, then-Shadow Minister for Transport, on 6 January 2023:
“Labor will deliver the public transport that these rapidly growing communities need. We won’t leave Parramatta with half a light rail service, because it must connect to Sydney Olympic Park…”
Donna Davis, then-Labor Candidate for Parramatta, on 6 January 2023:
“We already have over 14,000 people living in Wentworth Point, one of the most densely populated suburbs within New South Wales. But the public transport there is appalling.”
Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said the Minns Labor Government’s announcement represents a clear breach of faith with Western Sydney.
“Chris Minns looked the people of Western Sydney in the eye and promised the full Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project,” Ms Sloane said.
“Now Labor is delivering only part of the line, with no certainty on when, or if, the rest will be completed.”
“This is the same old Labor: saying what they think people want to hear before an election, then walking away from those promises after the votes are counted.”
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Monica Tudehope, said this walked back election promise shows how Labor has failed the people of Western Sydney.
“The people of Western Sydney deserve clarity and confidence, not to be left stranded waiting for infrastructure that may never arrive,” Ms Tudehope said.
“This is another example of Labor not being able to build the projects our growing city needs.”
“Announcing only part of a light rail line, while leaving workers, families and communities in Wentworth Point and Olympic Park in limbo, is an embarrassment.”
“Labor must come clean about when, or if, the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will actually be delivered.”