27 November 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (23:15): I want to thank the Hon. Ben Hood for his contribution and other members who have contributed to this discussion previously. I should recognise that it is a real breakthrough that we have seen tonight because the shadow minister for transport has clearly read and engaged with the report but the Minister for Transport still has not done so. Despite the fact that this report was handed down nearly two years ago, the minister has still not engaged with the recommendations.

The Hon. Ben Hood, the shadow minister, was not even in the parliament when this committee met, yet he has taken the time to read through the report, to look at the recommendations, to form a view and to provide a report to parliament. Meanwhile, the minister is missing in action. I do not intend to go through all of the recommendations again because I have talked to them many times before, but I will say that one of the glaring themes that runs through the report is the need to improve the frequency and accessibility of public transport, particularly in the regions.

The Labor Party talk a big game about representing regional South Australia, but I do not think you can be fair dinkum about representing regional South Australia if you do not seriously engage with the public transport question. These recommendations are not ideological. They were consensus recommendations that were supported by representatives from across the parliament. It was a committee that included crossbenchers and Labor and Liberal representatives. They were very sensible recommendations and central to them was the idea of looking at how we can expand the outreach of transport in the regions in particular. Surely, this is something that this Malinauskas government should engage with.

On the first anniversary of this report being handed out, I organised a cake with members of the committee to celebrate a year anniversary since the report was handed down, with no response from the government. As we head into February, it will reach two years without a response and I expect I will be celebrating it once again with members of the committee. We are heading into the Christmas-New Year period and my message to the transport minister is, when he is setting his new year resolutions, maybe one of his new year resolutions should be to actually read the report, to pick up the phone to the Chair of the committee and arrange a meeting to finally talk about the recommendations and to finally provide a response to the parliament and to the over 100 South Australians who took the time to engage with this report.

When people engage with these committees, they do not expect that the report just gets spat out and put in the middle of a drawer somewhere, they actually expect that the government is going to engage with the content. That has not happened with this minister and that is very disappointing.

I do have a bill before parliament that would force the government to provide responses to select committees in a timely manner, and the failure to engage with this committee demonstrates why that bill is needed and it is one I intend to revisit in the new year. I thank members for their support of the work of the committee. In particular, I thank the Hon. Ben Hood for taking the time to read the recommendations and to engage with the work of the committee.

13 November 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (11:44): I had not intended to speak on this bill because it had been my understanding that it was going to be referred to a parliamentary inquiry, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that that may not be necessary. Of course, it would have been nice to have heard that from the minister and to have been advised where things were at. I know Christmas is coming, but Secret Santa is not always the best approach when it comes to matters in the parliament.

I received a number of representations from stakeholder groups in relation to this bill, and indicated that I would be happy to refer it on to a parliamentary committee so that we could address some of the issues they had raised, in particular the issues the Hon. Frank Pangallo and the Hon. Ben Hood flagged around the potential impacts on people with autism, for instance, who might be using a motor vehicle that is unfamiliar to them when undertaking a test. That is of concern to me, but I am pleased to hear that the government is now setting up a consultative process to look at those issues, and it will be incumbent on the minister to make sure he takes on board that feedback and finds the right solution.

I recognise that a lot of regional people do not have a choice necessarily in terms of being able to leave their car at home or take public transport, because the areas they live in are not appropriately serviced by public transport. Many members in this place will know my strong views around the need for regional rail, but also the need for us to have a public transport network that is consistent and runs right throughout the state, not just in metropolitan areas.

The Hon. Frank Pangallo flagged the parliamentary inquiry into public and active transport, which I chaired. The report was handed down nearly two years ago. It has sat in a drawer, I suspect, somewhere in the minister's office gathering dust. I hope that, with just a year left before the next election, the minister will respond to the report or at least agree to meet with me to discuss the recommendations of the report, so we can look what we can do to improve public transport in our state, in particular in the regions because time and again we are reminded of how vitally important that access to public infrastructure is for people living in regional communities. With that, I conclude my remarks.

15 October 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (17:12): I also rise to speak in favour of the Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024, and might I also congratulate the Hon. Frank Pangallo on his special birthday today. The Greens have been long supporters of e-scooters and e-skateboards as an important mode of transport in our state. We recognise in particular that we are in the middle of a climate emergency and one of the ways that we can reduce carbon emissions here in our state is reducing the number of cars on the road, and so we do see e-scooters as playing and important role in that regard.

We are pleased to see that the government has taken up the recommendation of the Select Committee on Public and Active Transport that private-owned e-scooters should be permitted by legislation. E-scooters are a clean, green transport alternative. They reduce congestion by getting cars off the road and they allow users flexibility to get to where they need to go in an efficient way. They are increasingly being relied upon in many cities around the world as a form of travel.

We have seen e-scooters for hire on the streets of Adelaide over many years. Indeed, when I was on Adelaide City Council, there was a proposal that came to the council for us to undertake a trial ahead of the 2018 Fringe Festival, and that trial ended up being extended over many years, so I do welcome the fact that we are going to see a consistent approach being taken.

One of the problems we have had in South Australia around e-scooters is an inconsistency within the law. Whilst we have had a number of local councils that have allowed people to hire e-scooter devices, individual use has been prohibited. Despite the fact that you can actually purchase an e-scooter from a store you can only use it on your own private property. This has created, I think, a lot of confusion for law-abiding South Australians who are seeking to do the right thing but make the assumption that if you can buy an e-scooter in South Australia then surely you should be able to use it on the streets of our state. So, finally, that has been cleaned up.

One thing that was really interesting for me, having the benefit of being on the public and active transport inquiry, was that we heard evidence that allowing individual ownership of e-scooters does actually promote safety outcomes, and that is because if you are hiring an e-scooter and you are participating in the kind of festival environment of a trial and it is not your own device then you might be more likely to engage in risky behaviour. But if you are actually using your own device, that you are more familiar with and you have purchased, you are more likely to take care of it and you are also more likely to know how it works and that reduces some of the risks associated with this.

It is important to note that the issues that honourable members have raised regarding pedestrian safety I think are very important and did need further consideration from the government. Indeed, one of the issues that we heard quite a bit of evidence around was this issue of insurance. I want to refer members to some of the recommendations from the public and active transport inquiry. I will read some of the recommendations out for the benefit of government members who I know have not read all of the inquiry recommendations.

An honourable member: Some of us have.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Some have, I wish the transport minister had because we might have addressed some of the issues that have come to us with this bill. Recommendation 8 is particularly important and relevant, I think. It states:

The Committee recommends that the matter of compulsory third party insurance for private and commercial e-scooters be referred to the Attorney-General for review and advice.

The Hon. F. Pangallo interjecting:

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: An interesting question: the Hon. Mr Frank Pangallo asked whether this happened. I will be asking that question of the government in the committee stage. They have had two years to undertake that work so I am assuming that has happened. It states further:

The Committee recommends that the state government resolves:

(a) the classification ambiguity regarding commercial and private use of e-scooters, specifically whether they can be regarded as a motorised vehicle or as a bicycle; and

(b) outstanding matters regarding high insurance excess amounts, easily voided insurance policies, and the power of e-scooter providers in deciding the outcome of insurance claims.

One of the committee's findings was that:

There is potential for increased use of e-scooters in metropolitan Adelaide, but liability and accountability are highly complex matters that go beyond what the Committee can achieve…and Legislation and policy surrounding the use of small personal e-mobility vehicles (not just e-scooters) should be a matter of ongoing review by state government in collaboration with stakeholders.

I do not know what the outcome was of those recommendations. Indeed, I reached out to the minister, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis, when this report was handed down in February of last year. I reached out again requesting the opportunity to meet with him so that I could draw his attention to some of these recommendations but, sadly, the opportunity never arose and so I am not sure whether or not these issues have actually been addressed by the government.

Some of the other issues that came to light worth highlighting for the benefit of this debate are:

The Committee recommends that state government, in collaboration with local government and other stakeholders:

(a) legislates to enable the use of privately owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices in public spaces, in line with other jurisdictions

Tick; that is good. It goes on:

(b) considers adopting definitions of e-scooters and e-personal mobility devices consistent with National Model Law;

(c) considers ways that e-scooters and e-personal mobility devices can be safely moved into bike lanes on roads without compromising the safety of cyclists or device users;

(d) reviews speed limits of e-scooters and other e-personal mobility devices on footpaths to better protect the safety of pedestrians; and

(e) gathers data on the use of private and commercial e-scooters and other e-personal mobility devices, including compliance and injuries to pedestrians and riders.

I welcome the fact that the government has moved on some of these matters, but there are some issues here that they do not appear to have addressed and that I intend to raise during the committee stage. I do make clear that I am supportive of the bill. I welcome this reform in terms of cleaning up some of the ambiguity we have in South Australia, but I am concerned that the issues around liability have not been addressed. I wonder whether or not the government has undertaken the level of consultation that was envisaged by the parliamentary inquiry when we made those recommendations.

Given that, and in the absence of any approach being made by the government to the contrary, I will support the amendments from the Hon. Ben Hood because I think we do need to have some sort of model in place to address some of the insurance implications. I look forward to some of the discussion that unfolds during the committee stage, and I will have a few questions to ask of the government around how some of the issues have been addressed.

28 August 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:33): The matter I rise to speak on this afternoon is one that will be of interest to all residents of Greater Adelaide who care about reducing carbon emissions and congestion on our roads—that is, of course, public transport policy. The Greens are strong supporters of free public transport for everyone, and I will continue to advocate for that here in this place, but there is a new approach in Germany that is proving popular that I want to draw to members' attention.

Some German states have implemented a policy whereby people can choose to surrender their driving licences in exchange for unlimited access to public transport for an entire year. The program has been very successful so far, with one state seeing about a thousand people relinquishing their driving licences. The free year on public transport allows German residents to travel on all modes of public transport, including train and bus.

Let us consider the benefits of such a scheme for Adelaide. First and foremost, it would improve safety. Fewer vehicles on our roads would significantly reduce the risks of accidents for all road users. By offering an alternative to driving, we can reduce congestion, which we know of course is a major contributor to collisions. I stress that this is not about forcing anybody to give up their licence. It's an optional scheme, but the evidence from Germany demonstrates that people elect to do it when they are given that choice.

There is also a significant economic angle for us to consider here. When you look at the eyewatering amount that the state government is spending on the north-south corridor—I think it is about $15 billion of state and federal government money—it is easy to see what could be achieved if we invested more money into public transport. One tram expert has advised me that one tram line could service the same number of people as the north-south corridor. Asking people to swap their licence for free public transport for a year would enable the state to focus more on public transport infrastructure, rather than simply overspend on excessive road infrastructure.

The program would also be a catalyst for increased usage of public transport, which would then create an incentive and the means to invest in better services, more frequent schedules and new routes. This improvement in public transport would benefit all residents, not just those who participate in the scheme, making our cities more liveable and accessible for everybody. A program like this also creates greater equality. The cost of maintaining and running a car can be a significant barrier for people on low incomes. Offering free public transport essentially puts money back into the pockets of all South Australians.

Let's not underestimate the benefits that could flow from such a scheme. Public transport is not just about getting from A to B, it is about communities. Encouraging more people to use public transport creates opportunities for social interaction and it reduces isolation. This initiative would also align perfectly with our state's environmental goals. By encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport, we could significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Fewer cars on the road means lower emissions, less congestion, improved air quality and it is a tangible step towards our state's climate change targets.

This would, of course, require some investment and focus from government and we believe in the Greens that any such scheme should be accompanied by an investment in expanding the public transport network because it has been neglected for a long period of time. This is an initiative that could be rolled out here in South Australia and I suggest is an initiative that the state government could partner with the City of Adelaide to implement.

I think it is something that would, to the point raised by the Hon. Russell Wortley, further cement Adelaide's status as a liveable city. One of the areas where we really lag behind is public transport infrastructure. I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Sydney. Looking at that state, you do really see that they have a much better public transport network, a far superior network to Adelaide's, and really the state Labor government that has been in power for 30 of the last 50 years here in this state really needs to do something about public transport infrastructure. This is just one idea that I think the government should look at.

16 May 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:04): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Minister for Regional Development on the topic of regional rail.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: The federal budget this week included an announcement of $16 billion for road and rail infrastructure across the country. Western Australia received $1.7 billion for their rail projects and Queensland received $1.7 billion for a rail line to the Sunshine Coast, but South Australia received funding for road interchanges and the South Eastern Freeway, but nothing for rail.

Recommendation 3 from the Select Committee on Public and Active Transport, which I chaired, is that state government 'considers reactivation of regional rail for freight (particularly grain) and passenger services'. Recommendation 4 is that the state government 'incentivises passenger rail between Adelaide and Melbourne stopping at regional towns in South Australia'.

My question to the Minister for Regional Development therefore is: is the minister concerned about the lack of funding for regional rail in the federal budget, and what action has the minister taken to advocate for regional rail for South Australia?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for his question. I think it's fair to say that there is a lot of connection, I guess, or desire to be able to utilise rail in ways that will suit both passengers and freight. In terms of that discussion, there are multiple factors that are involved, including, for example, on Eyre Peninsula. This was a discussion that came up at country cabinet in regard to freight, not in regard to passenger rail, last week.

There were discussions around the impacts on ports if regional rail was reinstated for freight, and whether a monopoly which could ensue would necessarily be in the interests of our farmers and in the interests of the region more broadly. It's certainly fair to say that all aspects of rail have multiple factors to be taken into account. In terms of what the minister in the other place may have advocated for to the federal government, that is something I can certainly ask him and bring back a response.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:07): Supplementary: has the minister herself raised this matter with the Minister for Transport or with her federal counterparts, given the importance of regional rail for development in the regions?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for his supplementary question. Certainly, I have frequent conversations on many matters to do with regional areas, including transport and rail transport, with my colleague in the other place. It is obviously within his portfolio area in a direct sense.

27 August 2024

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS (16 May 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport advises that any request for project funding to the Australian government must be supported by evidence of the project benefits.

The state frequently works with the rail industry through rail infrastructure managers such as the Australian Rail Track Corporation, Aurizon and Bowmans Rail.

Aurizon and Viterra have submitted a business case to the Australian government for the reactivation of the rail-based export grain supply chain on Eyre Peninsula.

On 25 October 2023, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport provided a letter of support for the project to the Hon. Catherine King MP, federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government following country cabinet and discussion with local councils. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the department) will now deliver a business case for the Eyre Peninsula export grain supply chain for $200 000 which will be 25 per cent funded by local government, to inform advice to the Australian government on investment priorities.

As part of its election commitments, the South Australian government committed a total of $1.4 million to Great Southern Rail from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026, to support the operation of the Overland passenger train between Adelaide and Melbourne. A condition of the funding is that services stop at Bordertown and Murray Bridge.

The department is investigating the feasibility of providing a rail passenger service to Mount Barker using the existing rail corridor and will be considering rail options in a business case for mass transit between the CBD and Mount Barker.

In addition, the 2024-2025 state budget included $10 million in partnership with the Australian government to plan for outer metro and regional passenger rail service extensions.

This will inform potential future rail bids as part of the future budget process.

21 February 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the minister representing the Minister for Transport on the topic of Adelaide's tram network.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: On Monday morning, in response to a renewed push from the Greens to extend the trams to the eastern suburbs, Minister Tom Koutsantonis told the ABC, 'I just don't think a tram up the eastern suburbs would do anything to decrease congestion, and it will probably make the problem worse.' He went on to say, 'We won't be building a tram to Norwood.'

I refer to Labor's election policy from the 2022 state election, where under the title 'Taking back our trains, trams and stopping privatisation', they state:

Each train or tram in South Australia could take up to 540 cars off the roads. They are also some of the most energy efficient modes of transport, with greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre up to five times less than that of cars.

My questions to the minister therefore are:

1. Does the government agree that getting cars off the road will reduce congestion?

2. Why has the Labor government abandoned its commitment to trams?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his question. I think the answer is that, in terms of congestion, it will of course depend on all the other factors, including the particular road in question, and I do not accept the premise of the second half of the member's question.

21 February 2024 

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (16:19): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes that:

(a) in 2016, the Weatherill state government undertook a multi-criteria analysis of a proposed tram network for Adelaide, AdeLINK, which proposed five tram routes radiating out from the city; and

(b) AdeLINK and the tram to the eastern suburbs were abandoned after the change of government at the 2018 state election.

2. Acknowledges that:

(a) the tram extensions to the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre have been successful public transport projects for Adelaide;

(b) over 7.4 million journeys were taken on Adelaide trams in the 2022-2023 financial year;

(c) until the 1950s, Adelaide was serviced by a comprehensive network of trams connecting outer metropolitan areas with the centre of the city;

(d) there is a demand for additional public transport across the metropolitan area; and

(e) trams would reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Calls on the Malinauskas government to conduct a feasibility study to explore options to extend the tram network including to the eastern suburbs.

This motion calls on the Malinauskas government to conduct a feasibility study to explore options to extend the tram network, including to the eastern suburbs.

In considering this motion it is worth reconsidering the history of the tram extension project in our state. Back in 2016 the then Weatherill government undertook a multi-criteria analysis of a proposed tram network for Adelaide. That was AdeLINK, which had a series of tram routes that would radiate out from the city. The Greens were certainly supportive of seeing trams back on the agenda.

As we know, the Labor government was not re-elected, and the incoming Liberal government abandoned the AdeLINK project. However, from the perspective of the Greens we have continued to be concerned about the lack of investment in public transport, in particular the potential for trams. It is for that reason that I took to the airwaves earlier this week to spruik the benefits of a tram extension and, in particular, talk about the potential to extend the tram from the city to Norwood.

I understand that in Labor's original proposal they were talking about extending the tramline up to The Parade. We in the Greens said, 'Let's look at all the options, let's look at potentially extending the tramline from the Botanic Gardens stop, up Payneham Road and up to the Portrush Road intersection. We could allow cars to run on the tramlines, as we have seen in Melbourne, which would reduce congestion.'

It has long been the policy of the Labor Party that they are supportive of trams; indeed, in Labor's election policy document from 2022 they make a statement about the benefits that flow from trams. The policy document states that, 'Each train or tram in South Australia could take up to 540 cars off the road.' The policy document reads that they are some of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, 'with greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre up to five times less than that of cars.'

With that in mind, when I suggested that the Greens would be moving for a feasibility study in the parliament this week I assumed I would get enthusiastic support from the relevant minister, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis. Well, I nearly choked on my cornflakes when I heard the minister's response, where he flatly rejected the idea and said that he was ruling it out and that there would be no tram up to Norwood. He went further to say, 'I don't think a tram would do anything to decrease congestion, it will make the problem worse.' That is a real contradiction with the policy position the Labor Party has had for some time.

Of course, he was backed up by his ideological soulmate in the party, the Hon. Vincent Tarzia, who came on the airways as well to support the Labor Party's policy position, their 'do nothing' position, on trams. We have heard about Thomas the Tank Engine; well, we have Thomas the car engine in Minister Tom Koutsantonis in South Australia, because he does not want to look at trams. He is committed to cars; indeed, this is a government that is pumping billions and billions of dollars into the north-south road corridor project but will not even consider a feasibility study to look at how we can get trams back on the agenda.

Trams cost approximately $120 million per kilometre, whereas a six-lane highway, which would carry the same number of people, costs $150 million per kilometre. The route that the Greens have proposed in terms of extending the tram network down to Norwood would cost 3 per cent of the total budget of the north-south corridor project—just 3 per cent—so it is a question of priorities.

Most of the issues that are raised with trams are solvable. People say there is a loss of car parking or that there could be a loss of grass and the like; all of these things can be solved. After all, we are not talking about sending a man to the moon, we are talking about laying some tram tracks and I think we can do that. What we do know is that when you build tramlines people use them—they are popular. Last financial year, 7.4 million trips were taken on Adelaide trams.

The extension to the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre has been a very successful public transport project for Adelaide. Let us put trams back on track for our state. It is really disappointing to see this U-turn from the Labor government. I hope that the minister, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis, was misspeaking. Perhaps he got it wrong and has taken the wrong turn on behalf of this Labor government. The Greens are here to help, as always. If he has made a mistake he can of course support our motion and we can work together to explore this.

It is some time since an analysis was done of the potential to expand the tram network in South Australia. We are recognising that the costs may have increased due to inflation and the like, and that is why I have proposed to do this study. Let us look at what options are available and at how much it would cost to get this happening again.

To say that in this era of climate crisis, to say that in this era of cost-of-living crisis, that trams are not going to play a role in terms of the public transport solution for South Australia is a real shame. I hope the minister is less like Thomas the car engine and a bit more like Thomas the Tank Engine in terms of turning his mind to the potential for trains, trams and public transport to really deal with the climate crisis and to reduce the pressure that South Australians face at the bowser.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.

7 February 2024

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:46): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Minister for Regional Development on the topic of regional transport.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Today is one year to the day since the Public and Active Transport Committee tabled its report containing a series of recommendations relating to the regions. These include:

better bus connectivity between regional centres, ensuring regional communities have access to health services;

a trial of passenger services from Mount Barker to Adelaide, with a view to adopting similar trials at Roseworthy to Gawler, Aldinga to Seaford, and Adelaide to Port Augusta; and

incentivising passenger rail between Adelaide and Melbourne stopping at regional townships.

Since the report was released one year ago, there has been no formal response from the Minister for Transport and, indeed, my efforts to contact his office have gone unanswered. The Minister for Regional Development has also not directly responded to the recommendations. My question to the Minister for Regional Development therefore is: has the minister now read the report, one year on, and has she understood the needs of the regions with respect to public transport infrastructure? What action has she taken in relation to those recommendations?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:47): I thank the honourable member for his question. At least he is not attributing to me responsibility for the weather, as some others might, but he does want me to be responsible for the portfolio of transport, which I think the Minister for Transport is doing a fine job on.

Whilst I think I have said in this place previously—some months ago and well before other questions on this topic from the honourable member—that, yes, I had read the report, in terms of responding to the recommendations, that is the role of the Minister for Transport. I will refer the question to him and bring back a response.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:48): Supplementary: given the Minister for Regional Development hasn't responded to the report, and the Minister for Transport hasn't responded to the report, whose job is it? When will I get a response?

18 October 2023

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (16:00): I move:

That this council—

1. Recognises that 22 September is World Car-Free Day.

2. Notes that according to the Department for Environment and Water, transport accounts for 28 per cent of South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, the highest for any sector in the state.

3. Notes with concern that public transport use has declined by 13 per cent since July 2019.

4. Acknowledges that reducing car use has many benefits including:

(a) reduced greenhouse gas emissions;

(b) improved air quality;

(c) increased beneficial health and wellbeing outcomes; and

(d) reduced traffic congestion.

5. Calls on the Malinauskas government to implement the recommendations from the report of the Select Committee on Public and Active Transport by:

(a) increasing the frequency of bus services, simplifying concessions, and improving connectivity;

(b) trialling of passenger rail services from Mount Barker to Adelaide and incentivising passenger rail between Adelaide and Melbourne;

(c) trialling separated bike infrastructure and traffic calming measures, including speed limit restrictions;

(d) commencing planning for a statewide, integrated separated cycling network;

(e) development of a statewide strategic transport network plan;

(f) promotion of alternatives to car travel to reduce carbon emissions; and

(g) legislating to enable the use of privately owned e-scooters and other e-personal mobility devices in public spaces.

This motion recognises that 22 September was World Car-Free Day. It is an annual event held every year on 22 September and it involves cities around the globe coming together to celebrate World Car-Free Day and encouraging motorists to leave their car at home for the day.

I do not intend to speak for very long on this motion, as I know we have a few things to get through, but I do want to talk about some of the benefits of going car-free. We know, of course, that this reduces air pollution and that the promotion of walking and cycling is good for public and community health. Car-free days provide cities with the opportunity to appreciate how pollution impacts on our everyday lives.

Vehicle emissions are one of the main sources of outdoor air pollution, particularly in our cities, and ambient air pollution alone caused 4.2 million deaths in 2016 according to the World Health Organization. Transport is also the fastest growing source of fossil fuel emissions, the largest contributor to climate change. In fact, in South Australia, transport accounts for 28 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, the highest for any sector in our state.

Whilst we talk a lot in South Australia about energy policy and the importance of energy policy in combating climate change, we often forget the importance of transport policy and the role that plays in carbon emissions. It is really important that we see government policy begin to remedy that. The exhaust from vehicles emits harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and it is these emissions that pose a significant threat to our environment and to our health.

While the no-car lifestyle is not for everybody, there are lots of good reasons to drive less, including lowering the carbon footprint, reducing road congestion and, of course, reducing the chance of car accidents, not to mention the fact that walking and cycling is really good for general health and wellbeing. By driving less, drivers will also save on expenses such as soaring petrol prices, car insurance and car repairs, and by choosing more active models of transportation such as cycling, walking or using scooters, one increases their activity levels too.

According to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, almost 81,000 fewer trips were taken on South Australian public transport in July compared with the same period in 2019 pre-COVID. This figure represents a 13 per cent decline in usage. That is concerning for us in the Greens, and that is one of the reasons that we have been calling for free public transport to be made a priority by the Malinauskas government, so that we can provide an incentive for people to use alternatives to car travel.

Members of this place will remember—and I bang on about it quite regularly—that there was a report of the Select Committee on Public and Active Transport handed down in this chamber in February. Six months on, and I am still waiting for an audience with the minister and still waiting for the government to formally respond to the recommendations.

Those recommendations are listed in the motion, so I do not propose to detail them again here, but it is really important that the government take some action to reduce the reliance on cars. It is worth noting that the first car-free day event that was held in Paris, France, in September 2015 was found to reduce exhaust emissions by 40 per cent. So reducing car travel does have a significant impact.

I would like to commend the Adelaide City Council for recognising World Car-Free Day for the first time ever this year. In particular, I note the work of Councillor David Elliott, who is chair of Bike Adelaide and who I understand raised this idea at the council level. It is important, and we do need leadership at all levels of government to get this climate crisis under control.

18 October 2023

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS (31 August 2023):

Final supplementary: when will the parliament get an update on the work that has been undertaken in relation to returning the trams back to public hands?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has advised:

As previously stated on the public record, it is anticipated that the government will resume operations of tram services from Torrens Connect by July 2025.