Rita Saffioti: METRONET line another incredible commitment by WA Labor
1. A massive 20,000 people turned out on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn line and ride the first train, which now connects people in our south-east to the city in just half an hour. Another incredible commitment delivered by WA Labor.
2. Importantly, the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn line provides a new direct connection to Optus Stadium from Mandurah. Perfect timing really, with a massive double header this weekend at Optus Stadium. North Melbourne play the second of their two WA home games against Fremantle on Saturday, and West Coast play Carlton on Sunday.
3. On Monday I rode the train with passengers on the first day of full service. It was great to talk to Canning Vale residents, who told me how much easier their daily commute will be as a result of this new train line. Also great to see the school kids getting on board from day one. This project is for their generation and the next.
4. Next on the METRONET list is the rest of the Armadale line. We appreciate the community's patience while we deliver this transformative program of works. Free public transport for people usually using this train line has been extended until its reopening, which we will announce in coming months.
5. Western Australia's domestic economy continues to lead the nation, growing at almost twice the pace of the rest of the country in the year to March 2025 based on the latest ABS data. WA accounts for almost a fifth of growth in the entire national domestic economy — well above our share of population or economy.
6. Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Sabine Winton announced a massive infrastructure spend on our WA schools yesterday, with $1.67 billion committed over the next four years for the delivery of new public schools and improved infrastructure.
7. What a massive week of sport. More than 57,000 people packed out Optus Stadium on Thursday night to cheer on the Socceroos. We had tens of thousands turn out to the annual Supercars event over the weekend, followed by the historic North Melbourne and West Coast match down in Bunbury. The State's $13 million contribution to the Hands Oval redevelopment was a great investment — it looks spectacular.
8 Our government played a significant part in securing the North Melbourne and West Coast game. A massive congratulations in particular to Bunbury MP Don Punch, the City of Bunbury and the local community who made the match such a success. Bunbury truly embraced the opportunity.
9. I'm so pumped for the Socceroos — it's the first time they've qualified directly for a FIFA World Cup without a play-off since 2013. Still thinking about that last minute win last week. An incredible way to do it in front of a packed house at Optus Stadium.
10. What an inspiring person Neale Daniher is. Hard to believe it's been more than a decade since the first Big Freeze at the G event. In that time, more than $115 million has been raised to fight MND. A truly incredible effort and movement.
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