The starting point for tomorrow’s budget is that it must bring down Labor’s home-grown inflation.
Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton has called on the Albanese Labor Government to do more to tame inflation, ease the cost of living and get their priorities right.
“They have been focused on the wrong priorities and so far this budget appears to continue that pattern of ignoring regional Australia.
“At a time when we need to see government spending brought under control and a laser focus on prioritising investment, Labor have increased spending by $209 billion.
“Unfortunately, this spending has been directed out of wealth producing regions such as Toowoomba and allocated to the big cities and southern states.
“At a time when Labor could not recommit to the $5 million for the upgrade of the New England Highway at Cabarlah, they found $2.2 billion for the Melbourne Suburban Rail,” Mr Hamilton said.
Labor’s third budget is not expected to deliver on the key priorities of the Toowoomba region, after the 2023 budget cut critical projects in the region.
“The Albanese government has delayed Inland Rail, reallocated funding for the Gore and Warrego Highways, abolished the safer communities program and failed to commit to the stronger communities program,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Instead of tackling the big issues people are facing such as cost of living, affordable housing, crime and social care – we’re seeing a government give $470 million in taxpayers money to a Silicon Valley company and a new $100 million slush fund for bicycle and walking paths,” Mr Hamilton said.
The Coalition has said we need a back-to-basics economic agenda and the test for this budget is it must:
- Restore our standard of living and tame inflation by taking pressure off the prices of essentials and delivering affordable energy for families and business.
- Restore prosperity and creates opportunity for all Australians so small businesses are rewarded for their effort, and young Australians have the chance to own a home.
- Restore Budget discipline and honesty, including re-introducing the Coalition’s fiscal guardrails, a tax-to-GDP cap and delivering a structural surplus not a windfall surplus. This includes spending taxpayers money wisely and on the right priorities.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908
