Transport Minister Mark Bailey accuses Hermann Vorster of being anti-tram to get MP gig
Transport Minister Mark Bailey has accused Hermann Vorster of “stalking” a key political seat on the Gold Coast and becoming a “light rail critic” because he wants a job.
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Transport Minister Mark Bailey has accused Councillor Hermann Vorster of politically “stalking the seat of Burleigh” and becoming a “light rail critic” because he wants the job.
But the outspoken Robina-based councillor says he backs incumbent Burleigh MP Michael Hart and was speaking up for the community.
He added that Mr Bailey’s comments show why residents were furious with him.
The row erupted after Cr Vorster sent a question to Gold Coast City Council officers who confirmed an investigation into light rail Stage 4 would consider a range of public transport options.
Mr Bailey believes Cr Vorster, a prominent LNP identity, will seek preselection for Burleigh as speculation continues about Mr Hart retiring at the next state poll.
Mr Hart has supported residents who don’t want the trams along the coastal route.
“His recent behaviour you can only describe as media tart material. It’s very clear Hermann Vorster’s latest blitz of media is less about the issues and promoting himself in the next LNP preselection in Burleigh,” Mr Bailey said.
“They are getting quite close and it is clear he has big ambitions for himself.
“One day he attacks light rail, the next day he’s for it. You don’t know where he stands on anything. He’s trying to do in Michael Hart as the member of Burleigh.
“This is the problem with the LNP – infrastructure is a political game. It’s not about the future of the Gold Coast and the Gold Coast deserves better than that.”
Mr Bailey questioned why Cr Vorster in the past few months had become “obsessed” about issues on the southern Coast.
“Cr Vorster should be clear with people if he intends to be a candidate at the next state election. He should say yes or no,” Mr Bailey said.
“If he refuses to say whether he will or won’t, it is clear he is stalking the seat of Burleigh.”
Cr Vorster responded by calling Mr Bailey “the consummate George Street politician” who used personal attacks to detract locals from the important questions they were asking.
“The absurdity of this latest personal attack is that I’ve simply welcomed the work of his department, which has been tasked with preparing a thorough business case,” Cr Vorster said.
“It’s a total head-scratcher and another example of how his behaviour is leaving people confused and angry.
“Why should he fear being open and transparent with the community and restoring faith with the southern Gold Coast.
“I’m speaking up and asking questions because that’s what a healthy democracy requires – that, and it’s my job.”
Cr Vorster said Mr Hart was not retiring and he would continue to support him as he had done since before his election 2012.
“Meanwhile, I’ll continue pushing the state to make public transport safer, more sustainable, and subject to better consultation because that’s important to my community,” he said.
Originally published as Transport Minister Mark Bailey accuses Hermann Vorster of being anti-tram to get MP gig
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