Maitland MP Robyn Parker says she is confident there were no undue influences behind the government’s decision to cut the Newcastle rail line.
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Ms Parker’s comments came after Labor reaffirmed its commitment to save the line, if possible, if the party won government in March.
Questions have been raised recently about the decision-making process after recent corruption findings involving former Newcastle MP Tim Owen, former Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell and illegal developer donations.
But Ms Parker said NSW Cabinet made the decision to cut the line over a long period of time and after extensive public consultation.
She said she did not believe the Independent Commission Against Corruption would investigate the rail decision during its three-week inquiry into political dealings in the Hunter.
“It’s not a decision I was happy with, but I was part of the decision [as NSW Environment and Heritage Minister],” she said. “I haven’t seen anything that would suggest anything undue has been involved in the rail network decision.
“I don’t think you can draw a link between what happened with two candidates’ campaigns.
“You could delay this but it will go ahead. I feel comfortable that this decision was made without influence.”
Nine of the 22 cabinet members involved in the decision to cut the rail line in 2012 have been replaced in the 18 months since the decision.
Work to cut the rail line between Wickham and Newcastle stations will begin on Boxing Day.
Ms Parker said she understood Maitland commuters’ need for more information about how they would get into Newcastle CBD after December 26.
“We need more information about how the connection will be made,” she said.
Labor candidate for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said his party was committed to retaining the rail line.
But he said it would depend how much of the infrastructure had been ripped up before the March election as to whether Labor could save the line.
“The Liberals have cynically announced they will shut the rail line on Boxing Day,” he said. “This is when up to 30,000 people will come to Newcastle for the Asian Cup [football tournament] and thousands of Maitland youngsters come to Newcastle to the beach over summer.”