Mr McGRANE: When will the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads release the report into the operation of road trains on the Newell Highway? When will he approve the operation of road trains on the Newell Highway between Gilgandra and Dubbo?

Mr SCULLY: The Newell Highway is the most important north-south road west of the Blue Mountains. In February last year the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mark Vaile, approved a $100,000 study into whether road trains should be approved for the entire length of the highway. I understand that road trains were allowed along parts of the Newell Highway north of Coonabarabran and along certain parts to access Dubbo. They are certainly not allowed along the whole route. The Roads and Traffic Authority [RTA] engaged PPK Environment and Infrastructure Pty Ltd to undertake the study. I understand that it has been completed and is being considered by the RTA, which will be making recommendations to me in the near future on the possibility of allowing road trains to travel along the entire length of the highway.

Mr Hartcher: When?

Mr SCULLY: I would expect the report to be available for release publicly in about a month. It is interesting that the honourable member for
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Gosford interjects but apparently is not interested in the answer. I can indicate to the honourable member for Dubbo that one of the matters in relation to the Newell Highway that has been brought to the attention of the Government is the same matter that was brought to the Government’s attention in relation to the Hume Highway and the New England Highway - that is, that Government may not necessarily make changes that will bring greater productivity benefits to the freight industry without the Federal Government ceasing to bleed investment from the national highway system. Right across New South Wales there are major arterial roads that are really part of the lifeblood of country New South Wales, particularly the freight industry. I have protested long and loudly to the Federal Government but it is ignoring the calls from country New South Wales and from people such as the honourable member for Northern Tablelands and others. I know that some other members of the National Party are also concerned.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I place the Leader of the National Party on two calls to order.

Mr SCULLY: Country Labor members are totally supportive of the Government on this matter. The Newell Highway and the Hume Highway are so downgraded in terms of Federal Government investment that it will not be long before they are country back roads that the people of New South Wales are ashamed of. In contrast, the Federal Government is investing millions of dollars to bring the Pacific Highway, the Great Western Highway and the Princes Highway to A-class State arterial roads. I can assure the honourable member for Dubbo that the Federal Government must invest significant funds in the Newell Highway to make it safe for road trains to travel along its entire length. Obviously other matters also need to be considered. I am happy to discuss this matter further with the honourable member for Dubbo when compilation of that report is completed by the RTA and when the recommendations come to me for consideration.