Keep the Hunter on Track spokesman David Blyth said that political games should stop so a modern transport system, based on evidence, could be delivered to the region.

“The people of Newcastle are sick and tired of the word games,” he said.

“We just want a public transport system that works for the community.

The call came after former Newcastle MP Tim Owen fronted the parliamentary inquiry in Newcastle and Hunter planning decisions on Monday to answer questions about a confidential cabinet document related to the rail cut.

The document implied that the state government ignored expert advice from Transport for NSW regarding the best route for light rail into Newcastle in favour of a more expensive option that would allow more development opportunities along the rail corridor. 

Read more stories on the Newcastle rail cut here

Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp said last week that one of his staffers found the document in the Newcastle electoral office that Mr Owen vacated last year after he admitted to corrupt conduct.

But Mr Owen told the inquiry on Monday that he could not recall ever seeing the cabinet paper.

Mr Crakanthorp refused to front the inquiry to explain, under oath, where and how the confidential document was found. 

“No matter where the cabinet document came from, the fact remains that Newcastle has been delivered a dud deal,” Mr Blyth said.

“It’s critical that the NSW government puts its plans on hold and begins the process of bringing back the Newcastle rail line.”