Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the 2019-20 Budget will create a stronger and more secure community in Grey by funding important local infrastructure and boosting essential services.
“This is a sensible budget that delivers a surplus for the first time since John Howard and Peter Costello were in charge and maps the pathway to eliminate the huge debt by 2030,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Balancing the books means we can pay for what we promise, create more local jobs by backing our businesses, lower taxes so more families keep more of what they earn and guarantees critical local services.
“This budget contains terrific support for infrastructure in Grey and I am pleased my efforts to bring these issues to the fore have been recognised with good funding commitments.
“Road funding in Grey is receiving a huge shot in the arm with an increase of more than $10m for councils through the Roads to Recovery Program over five years. I am particularly pleased $40million over two years has been allocated for the continuation of the Supplementary Roads Program for local councils, this is a measure the Member for Barker and I have worked hard to retain.
“The allocation of $44million to upgrade the Horrocks Highway is something I have been advocating for since taking this area into my electorate six months ago. It was such an obvious need and I have been working strongly to get this moving. Similarly I have been a strong advocate for an upgrade to the Barrier Hwy and now it will be a safer road with a funding injection of $50million.
“The road network west of Port Augusta will receive $100m with $25.6m of that allocated to upgrading EP roads in the wake the announced closure of the rail network.
“We have also announced funding of $800,000 to upgrade Bratten Bridge on Southern Eyre Peninsula and $8.8 million for the Dublin Saleyards Access.
“The Cashless Debit Card trial will be extended and expanded.”
Mr Ramsey said young people in Grey will benefit from the announcement of 80,000 Australia-wide new apprenticeships.
“We are also doubling the incentive payments for employers and a $2000 payment for apprentices,” he said.
Under the Government’s plan Grey families will benefit from:
- Safer local roads through our $2.2 billion Road Safety Package, targeting black spots and council road improvements.
- Better connected communities through an additional $160 million investment in Mobile Phone Black Spot Program with two additional rounds of the program announced.
- Listing of critical medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme such as breast cancer and rare skin cancer fighting drugs, saving patients up to $150,000- this brings the total to 2000 drugs added since the Coalition came to Government making medicine cheaper for Australian families.
- Support for older Australians with 10,000 new home care packages bringing to 40,000 the number of new packages announced over the last 18 months
- Additional cost of living relief for pensioners, people on Newstart and others on support through a one-off Energy Assistance Payment of $75 for singles and $125 for couples.
- $84 million to enable carers to access respite.
- Record health spending of $81 billion in 2019-20, increasing to $89.5 billion in 2022-23
- The instant asset write-off will also be expanded to businesses with a turnover of up to $50 million to $30,000.
“This budget is fiscally responsible demonstrating the rewards of good economic management. The Grey Electorate is benefiting from Liberal Federal and State governments placing a strong focus on rural and regional areas.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
Wednesday April 3 2019
