"The tunnel will not open until late in the year and the testing finishes shortly after the March State Election," Mr Debnam said.

"The testing clearly needs to run for a year after tunnel is opened if it's to be worthwhile – not with a politically convenient timetable just to get the Iemma Labor Government through a difficult issue ahead of the election," he said.

"The testing will also heighten the sense of betrayal felt by motorists and residents around the M5 East Tunnel who have been poisoned by toxic gases every day since its opening.

"Tunnel fumes are the asbestos issue of the 21st century and this State Labor Government has knowingly constructed a flawed tunnel and is knowingly poisoning people every day.

"If the Labor Government doesn't filter the M5 East Tunnel before the election, I will do it straight after.

"I will also establish a judicial inquiry into the criminal negligence of the tunnel design and how and why the Labor Government consciously continues to poison the motorists and residents around the M5 East Tunnel," Mr Debnam said.