Question Time AU

General Debate

Gold Coast: Infrastructure, Housing and Services, Cost of Living

House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Leon Rebello raised concerns regarding infrastructure deficits, declining bulk-billing rates, and government expenditure in the southern Gold Coast. He advocated for heavy rail extensions and road upgrades to address congestion and improve connectivity. Rebello also highlighted the impact of rising energy costs and reduced access to affordable medical care on local residents and businesses. He criticised specific government spending initiatives as wasteful during a cost-of-living crisis.

Outcome

The debate concluded with no further speakers or formal motion result recorded in the transcript.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Leon Rebello (McPherson) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Rebello argued that the southern Gold Coast requires strategic infrastructure investment to manage rapid population growth and tourism. Rebello supported extending heavy rail from Varsity Lakes to Coolangatta, with stops at Burleigh Heads and Elanora, to reduce road congestion and connect the airport to Brisbane. Rebello identified Exit 82 on the M1 as a critical bottleneck requiring urgent solutions. Rebello stated that infrastructure planning must be based on need rather than political considerations.