The 2019-20 Budget, announced by Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, on Tuesday night is good for Gippsland, according to Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said he was pleased with the focus on building the infrastructure regional communities need, and helping to reduce the cost of living for low and middle income earners.
“This budget is our plan to build on the record `and help families to pay their household bills,” Mr Chester said.
“The highlights include income tax relief for the majority of wage earners, increased funding for local roads and major highways and a commitment to reduce youth suicide and improve mental health throughout the community.
“The government has been able to deliver record funding for health, education and aged care services without increasing taxes and we are now paying back the debt accumulated under the former Rudd-Gillard Government.”
Flying under the radar in the budget was the announcement of $45.5 million boost to better access life saving radiation therapy for cancer patients in regional areas, which will aid East Gippsland sufferers.
Mr Chester said the budget commitment to increase support for communities impacted by natural disasters including drought would be welcomed across regional Australia.
“Many of our farming families are doing it tough in Gippsland at the moment and any additional support would be welcomed,” Mr Chester said.
Budget highlights for Gippslanders include:
- Income tax relief for the majority of wage earners;
- A one-off Energy Assistance Payment worth $75 for singles and $125 for couples;
- $6.3 billion in national droughtsupport;
- New investments in local infrastructure to grow our economy and create more opportunity;
- Safer local roads through $2.2 billion Road Safety Package, targeting black spots and Gippsland council road improvements;
- Better connected communities through an additional $160 million investment in the Mobile Black Spot Program;
- Listing of critical medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme such as breast cancer and rare skin cancer fighting drugs.
- Support for older Australians, with 20,000 new home care packages and a reduction in red tape;
- $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package, $2 billion of which will go to practical emission reduction activities.
- $450,000 community small grants program for Gippsland projects.
