The deputy NSW opposition leader has reiterated a $25 million commitment to upgrade Unanderra train station, saying it was unacceptable that people with a disability were "risking their lives".
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Standing atop the station's stairs - which have become a political platform ahead of the March 28 election - on Friday, Linda Burney echoed a funding promise made by Wollongong MP Noreen Hay earlier this month.
Ms Burney, who is also shadow minister for ageing and disability services, said she was "saddened and appalled" by footage of double-amputee Toby Lyndon crawling up the stairs, which has now gone viral.
Earlier this month, the 26-year-old was filmed pulling himself up the stairs with his hands before coming down backwards in his wheelchair.
"When you see something like that you take action," Ms Burney said.
"How can a caring and compassionate government let this sort of thing go on?
"People with disabilities dragging themselves up stairs and risking their lives coming down stairs in a wheelchair is just unacceptable."
Unanderra Access Group member, and stroke victim, Bec Schmidt welcomed Ms Burney's support.
"I'm not really in it for the politics, I'm just trying to get the train station upgraded," Ms Schmidt said.
"I'm just trying to get as much awareness as possible so we can get access to the station."
The $25 million has been reserved in Labor's Illawarra Infrastructure Investment Fund - a pot of cash set up to ensure $380 million from the long-term lease of Port Kembla port is returned to the region.
Ms Burney said Ms Hay's hard-fought campaign had secured the money - if Labor is voted in.
Ms Hay said the deputy leader's visit would put pressure on the Liberals to "back up their empty words of sympathy" with money to match the Labor commitment.
"The big difference between Labor and Liberal is that a Labor government will upgrade Unanderra station and we'll do it without having to privatise the electricity network," Ms Hay said.
Transport minister Gladys Berejiklian told the Mercury earlier this month the government took an "evidence-based approach" to determine which transport upgrades would be delivered next.
"Unanderra station is being considered as part of this ongoing work," Ms Berejiklian said.
Other Wollongong candidates Cameron Walters (Liberal) and Arthur Rorris (independent) have pledged support for the station upgrade, with Mitchell Bresser (Greens) suggesting a level crossing instead of lifts.
