❓ Mr Hunter asks the Minister for Transport to meet with representatives from the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network to discuss funding and safety upgrades. The Minister responds by highlighting existing funding and criticises the opposition's past record on regional roads.

Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network94.Mr Lachlan Hunterto theMinister for Transport:I have a supplementary question. Will the minister commit to meeting with representatives from the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network to discuss funding and safety upgrades for these critical freight routes in Western Australia?

Ms Rita Saffioti replied:We have $24 million allocated in 2026–27. That is how much we have for the regional freight network, on top of everything else. That is what we do. We allocate to regional roads. Like I said, the "MetroNats" are lecturing us about regional roads.Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt!Ms Rita Saffioti:You know—Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt!Ms Rita Saffioti:—you are never here for proper debates. You hit the cocktail circuit. You are not here for vital—Mr Lachlan Hunter:Cocktail circuit?Ms Rita Saffioti:Yes, that is what you do, member.Point of orderMr Liam Staltari:I ask that the Treasurer withdraw that comment.Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members!Mr Liam Staltari:I ask the Treasurer to withdraw that comment because the member is often here engaging in debate.Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members! Planning minister! I appreciate that it is Thursday. It has been a long week. I am not upholding that point of order, member for Carine, but if the minister can conclude her remarks. It is a supplementary question.Questions without notice resumedMs Rita Saffioti:Yes, it is.Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt, I am calling you for the—Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members! Member for Pilbara, I write this down, so I do not need your help, thank you very much.Ms Rita Saffioti:The "MetroNats" are too busy hitting the cocktail circuit to be in here for vital votes. We are spending a record amount, and we will continue to focus on improving road safety throughout WA because we are passionate about it. The Leader of the National Party at the time, who had $8.5 billion of royalties for regions money said, "Roads are not our priority." They are the exact words he said. As a result, there is enormous catch-up. The Nationals sold the freight routes. They did nothing, and the regional freight network program was started by this government, not yours. Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network