NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said tonight’s Federal Budget is an investment in Australia’s future, with families, retirees, carers and students among those set to benefit from the measures announced in what was the Coalition’s tenth budget surplus.
Senator Nash said among the highlights was the announcement of an investment of $22.3 billion over five years from 2009-10, in Australia’s land transport system, part of which will go towards continuing the upgrade of the Pacific Highway.
“The Coalition Government has contributed significantly to the upgrade of the Pacific Highway under AusLink 1 and will continue to do so under AusLink 2 announced tonight, with specific funding details to be announced in the near future,” Senator Nash said.
“Local councils will also share in the $85.6 million committed by the Government to New South Wales in 2007-08 under the successful Roads to Recovery Programme. The Federal Coalition will spend an additional $250 million in supplementary funding, to be paid to eligible councils by the end of June, on AusLink Strategic Regional projects around Australia as well as $14.3 million in NSW in the next financial year under the Black Spot Programme.”
Senator Nash said families will benefit from a range of budget measures, from tax cuts to improved child care assistance and additional Medicare funding.
“From July 1 this year, the 30 per cent threshold will rise from $25,000 to $30,000 – a measure which rewards effort and improves work incentives for both lower income and part-time workers,” Senator Nash said.
“Government assistance for child care in the next financial year will total $3 billion which is nearly triple the level of assistance provided a decade ago. In terms of dental care, additional Medicare funding of $378 million will be provided to patients whose dental health is impacting on a chronic medical condition.
“The Budget has invested heavily in education, with the announcement of the Higher Education Endowment Fund (HEEF). With an initial investment of $5 billion, it will be a perpetual fund aimed at generating earnings for capital works and research facilities in higher learning institutions.
“In terms of seniors and carers, they are in line to receive bonus payments worth $1.7 billion in 2006-07. These tax-free payments will be paid by 30 June this year.
“This Budget is a responsible budget and builds on the progress the Coalition Government has made since coming to office. It contains a raft of measures that lock in the benefits of a strong economy and provides all Australians with security today to ensure we have the capabilities to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.”
Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600
Source:
There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.