Donnellan has roads and ports responsibilities but rail freight’s placement is uncertain
New Victorian Government ministers are in the midst of finalising staff while their ministries and their various sections a scrambling to gain an understanding of likely policy priorities.
Former shadow roads minister Luke Donnellan has responsibility for most freight transport issues but it remains unclear at present if rail freight would be within his portfolio.
Rail freight has been included in public transport, now Jacinta Allen’s portfolio, in previous governments.
As minister for roads and road safety and minister for ports following the swearing in of premier Daniel Andrews and his ministers, Donnellan should find understanding from his Labor predecessors, new treasurer Tim Pallas and attorney-general Martin Pakula.
He will also be expected to work closely with new planning minister Peter Wynne, himself no stranger to road and port issues.
Donnellan’s will be a hot seat as road issues, particularly the East West Link that is heavily supported by the transport and logistics industry in the state and nationally, promise to be a source of friction between state and federal governments.
He has yet to endear himself to the Victorian trucking industry, which hopes to meet him next week, after publically supporting truck curfews in Melbourne’s north-east when in opposition.