I recognise the mighty Rail, Tram and Bus Union [RTBU], and in particular its dedicated members in the Blue Mountains. I sincerely thank our train drivers, guards, signallers, station staff and maintenance crews, who work tirelessly to keep the community moving. Over the past decade, I have been proud to work alongside the RTBU in fighting for a better, more reliable Blue Mountains line, advocating for safety improvements to the new trains, and standing together to secure fair wages and better conditions for rail workers. Two weeks ago, on Friday 30 January, my community and many rail enthusiasts joined those hardworking men and women for the final journey of our beloved V-sets—an Australian‑made workhorse that served the mountains for more than 50 years. It was a privilege to share that historic final ride, honouring not only an icon of our region but also the workers who made it run.
11 February 2026

