Planning Minister Rob Stokes has taken over the problem-riddled transport portfolio from Andrew Constance, giving Jim Wilson his first interview as the minister responsible.

Addressing the grocery list of issues with Sydney’s new Indonesian-built ferries, Mr Stokes told Jim local manufacturing wasn’t necessarily an option.

“My job is to look to the future.

“We’ve always got to look at value for the taxpayer, but … we’re also bound by free trade agreements that we’ve signed up to.

“While we’ll always seek to prefer local contractors and manufacturers, but we do have to provide those to a global market as well.”

Sydney’s train network has also been heavily impacted recently by ongoing industrial action, today taking the form of a go-slow.

Mr Stokes resolved to have ‘mature and collaborative’ negotiations with the union.

“The very first meeting I took as the Transport Minister was with the rail union.

“The last thing we want to do is not look after our workforce … but it’s a two-way street.”

Press PLAY below to hear how Rob Stokes will address issues in his new portfolio

Image: Rob Stokes MP/Twitter