Debate in State Parliament last week over two big-ticket Illawarra infrastructure projects descended into yet another war of words between Anna Watson, the Labor Member for Shellharbour, and Liberal Kiama MP, Gareth Ward. 

The projects in question  – the Albion Park Rail bypass and the Shellharbour Hospital upgrade – represent a combined infrastructure investment of $800 million.

In speaking to her motion, which noted the lack of a “precise timetable” for each project and listed suggested start dates for both, Ms Watson said she didn’t want to “score cheap political points”. 

“My intention is to make it clear to the House that the Liberals promised these two projects during the last election and they now have an obligation to deliver them,” she said. 

The Labor MP cited comments made by Mr Ward – the Illawarra’s parliamentary secretary – to the Mercury last week, where he indicated he looked forward to “working with all parties at the table” to build the region’s future.

In response, Mr Ward indicated the Baird government’s opposition to the motion because “talk is cheap” and “actions speak louder than words”.

“I am committed to seeing both these projects delivered, which we said would commence in this term of government,” he said.

Ms Watson used her reply to have another dig at Mr Ward, labelling his comments “well-rehearsed bathroom mirror lines”. 

“The government offered nothing by way of construction timetables to get these projects underway …people in the Illawarra need this investment and they need it now,” she said, before the spray at Mr Ward continued.

“He talks to the media about working together but he plays cheap politics in this place,” Ms Watson said.

“He should be supporting this motion. It is obvious that there are two blowholes in Kiama. One is by the sea and the other is on Terralong Street [where Mr Ward’s office is located].” 

Mr Ward replied: “Despite geography, the metaphor more correctly applies to other people”.

The motion was defeated 50-31.