The 2020-21 Federal Budget is totally focused on getting Australians back to work and will provide a huge boost to right across the electorate the Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said today.
He said the Budget was funding important local infrastructure, supporting people into jobs and providing incentives to industry to invest in people and plant.
“The investment in our local infrastructure is very significant,” Mr Ramsey said. “In May last year during the election campaign, I committed $64m for the commencement of the duplication of the Augusta Highway between Port Wakefield and Port Augusta. The budget has confirmed that commitment to be boosted to $80m by a state co-contribution.
“Preliminary planning has begun, and the budget is the green light to get on with the job.
“One hundred million is committed to the sealing of the Strzelecki Track. Accompanied by $25m from the state it will be an absolute ‘game changer’ for SA.
“It will bring the supply contracts for the Cooper Basin back to SA, it will open up one of Australia’s great inland tourist routes and it will provide access to southern markets for Queensland cattle producers.
“Councils are to get a $13m boost through a Local Road and Community Infrastructure grant across the electorate and another $5m for SA Dept of Transport for works in the Grey electorate.
“Ferreti Fabrication in Whyalla will benefit from $15m to upgrade their steel processing and galvanising capability which along with the recent announcement on our interest in the future of Green Hydrogen Steel, underlines our commitment to the steel industry.
“The budget is unapologetically aimed at getting Australians back to work and leading us out of the Covid recession.
“The budget includes tax cuts dating back to July 1 for workers, immediate tax write-offs for business investing new plant and equipment, a carry back loss mechanism for businesses that have lost profitability through the Covid virus, a 50% subsidy for new apprentices and wage assist programs to encourage employers engage young people under 35 years of age.”
Major announcements include-
- $100m for the sealing of the Strzelecki Track
- An additional $13m for councils in Grey
- $5m for the Department Infrastructure and Transport (DPTI) projects in Grey
- $15.0 million in 2020-21 to support an upgrade of steel processing and galvanising capability in Whyalla, South Australia, boosting the regional economy and export opportunities, and supporting local manufacturing.
- $4 billion JobMaker Hiring Credit will provide an incentive of up to $200 a week for employers to hire new workers aged 16-35.
- Businesses who take on a new Australian apprentices will be eligible for a 50 per cent wage subsidy, regardless of geographic location, occupation, industry or business size.
- Tax relief in the 2020-21 financial year ranging from $1010 to $2,160 for taxpayers.
- Instant tax write-off allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of depreciable assets in the year they are installed.
Mr Ramsey said the investment in road safety by supporting upgrades such as the Augusta Highway and the Strzelecki Track and a recovery plan that empowers small and big business and local governments will bring employment and job security to Grey.
“I am pleased this Budget will deliver in job creation and rebuilding our economy,” he said.
“Local governments will have the funding to deliver roads and community infrastructure through the additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“Combined with record levels of investment in health and aged care, a $500 boost for pensioners and the extension of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, we have set Australia on a great path to recovery.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
