Question Time AU

General Debate

Macarthur Electorate: Infrastructure

House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026

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

At a glance

Mike Freelander raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure investment in south-west Sydney, particularly in the Macarthur region. He argued that population growth has outpaced the delivery of critical services, leading to health and social pressures. Freelander highlighted federal investments in rail corridors and urgent care clinics while calling on the New South Wales government to improve transport and hospital infrastructure. He also noted the poor condition of local schools and the need for better planning foresight.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Mike Freelander (Macarthur) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Freelander argued that infrastructure investment in south-west Sydney has failed to keep pace with exponential population growth, particularly under previous coalition state governments. Freelander stated that residents face significant strain due to a lack of schools, transport, and healthcare facilities, which contributes to poor health outcomes such as diabetes and respiratory diseases. Freelander highlighted the federal government's commitment of more than $1 billion to buy land for a future rail corridor to the Western Sydney airport. Freelander criticised the New South Wales government for not matching the pace of growth with proper infrastructure and for prioritising peripheral projects over essential services in the region.