Wollongong MP Noreen Hay has accused Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward of gagging her during a parliamentary debate about lifts at Unanderra train station.
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Ms Hay last week called on the Baird government to commit to the lifts’ installation and upgrade the station as a matter of urgency, using a motion tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday to reiterate previous calls for action.
The Labor MP said she had lobbied for a lift since Unanderra became part of the Wollongong electorate in 2007 and had ‘‘harassed’’ her government to obtain funding.
Castle Hill MP Ray Williams interjected to say that approach was second nature for Ms Hay, and from there the debate descended into a brief mud-slinging match.
What ensued was a war of words, including Ms Hay and Mr Ward calling each other a ‘‘disgrace’’ amid numerous interruptions, which prompted the Wollongong MP to ask for an extension of time.
‘‘These spurious points have used up all my time and I have not been able to address my motion. This is a move by the Member for Kiama to gag me,’’ Ms Hay said.
‘‘I do not care whether the easy access is provided under a Coalition or Labor government. I do not care who takes the credit for it. Just let the people have access to the trains.’’
Mr Ward moved an amendment, which altered every word of Ms Hay’s motion to instead note the concerns of the Unanderra Access Group, acknowledge the matter had been raised with Transport Minister Andrew Constance and ensure the government continued to review transport access options at the station.
‘‘Members argue in this place on behalf of their communities. It would be a dream if every station in NSW had easy access. I have made representations to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure on this issue and I know the Member for Wollongong has made representations,’’ Mr Ward said.
Ms Hay said: ‘‘Everybody knows that Unanderra railway station needs access lifts ... I argued that the lifts be provided and my government budgeted for them, this government promised to deliver them and it has reneged on that promise.
‘‘We could have used this opportunity today [Thursday] to support easy access lifts at Unanderra railway station ... we should be working together on this issue.’’
Mr Ward’s amendment was put to the house and passed 47 to 36.
