Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Member for Denison
The Liberals have commissioned and received the result they wanted on Hobart Light Rail, effectively killing off this important public transport reform in to the foreseeable future.
It's no secret that the Hodgman Liberals have never backed Light Rail, despite the significant benefits it would bring to ease transport congestion, improve social inclusion, boost productivity, create jobs and lower greenhouse emissions.
The finding of the consultant's report that Light Rail would run at a loss is no surprise. No public transport system in Tasmania or in most parts of the world is able to operate without public subsidy.
Governments subsidise public transport because of the wider economic and social benefits it delivers.
Tasmania's Metro services are a prime example, but the Liberals aren't suggesting that, as our buses don't run at a profit, they should be phased out.
A State Government with its eye on Tasmania's future transport needs would not be so quick to abandon Light Rail for Hobart and Southern Tasmania.
The new Turnbull Government has expressed an openness to exploring public transport infrastructure with the states and territories. The Hodgman Liberals are clearly not prepared to capitalise on this opportunity.
Meanwhile, the road building will no doubt continue.