BBR keen to discover if new minister will be installed to oversee Inland Rail Project

By Simon Ruppert

Jun 22, 2021

Better Benalla Rail (BBR) is keen to find out if there will be a new federal minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development in the coming weeks, after Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, who currently holds that portfolio, was replaced as leader of the National Party.

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As part of its Save Our Station campaign, BBR has spent a lot of time lobbying the former Deputy Prime Minister, who this week was replaced by Barnaby Joyce.

BBR member David Moore said he couldn't see Mr McCormack remaining in that role, but noted that was just a hunch.

“We will be keen to make contact with a new minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development, if there is one,” Mr Moore said.

“If Mr McCormack remains in that position we are keen to keep working with him, and would also like to invite the new Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, to visit Benalla so he can see the two Inland Rail plans currently on the table — and why we prefer the track realignment.”

As part of his portfolio Mr McCormack has been overseeing Australian Rail Track Corporation and its Inland Rail Project, visiting Benalla in March.

The Ensign has contacted the Deputy Prime Minister's office for clarification on if Mr McCormack will remain the Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister.

While we have had no reply so far, other media outlets have reported that Mr Joyce will be taking over that role.

On June 21 the Federal National Party released a statement confirming that Mr Joyce had replaced Mr McCormack as its leader.

“The federal president of The Nationals, Kay Hull AO, has today congratulated The Hon Barnaby Joyce on his election as the leader of The Nationals and has recognised the incredible service that the Hon Michael McCormack has provided during his time as leader,” the statement read.

“It is a great honour to be elected to the leadership of our great party and I know that Barnaby Joyce understands this responsibility and will work hard to give voice to and represent the interests of those Australians who live outside our capital cities.”