The 2021 Federal Budget brings enormous spending to regional Australia investing in roads, skills, apprentices, incentives to business, and providing a huge boost to aged care, the NDIS, childcare and services.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the road investments which were detailed in a pre-budget release has brought Commonwealth investment in roads in the electorate beyond a billion dollars.
“The building programs on our roads at the moment are unbelievable,” he said.
“We have never seen anything like it and the news last week that we are pushing further and faster on the duplication of the Augusta Highway will pay dividends for generations.
“Local councils will be very happy the Supplementary Roads Program has been extended again with $40m over two years.
“It is what they asked for and I thank Member for Barker Tony Pasin for his assistance in arguing for this outcome.
“The announcement of an extra $250m into the hugely successful BBRF program is also great news for our regions.
“Successful projects under the previous five rounds of the program have delivered some fantastic outcomes for regional communities and I am pleased this funding has been extended to a sixth round.
“Already 564 new apprentices have got a start in the electorate under the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencement scheme. With the program fully subscribed, the budget includes an allocation to expand that intake by 70%.
“I am particularly pleased with the huge investment in aged care, totalling$17.7 billion which will benefit the aged and their carers everywhere.
“I expect it to take considerable pressure off the system and will open up opportunities for more jobs and to fill those positions we are providing more support for training.
“Funding for the recent announcement of the expansion of our on-farm water grants and more support for local shows, will be warmly welcomed in the regions, as will the extension of the instant asset write-offs.
“New money for mental health including for more headspace facilities will give me an opportunity to pitch for a headspace unit in Port Pirie.
“A large package has been announced totalling funding of $1.7b to support women’s health and wellbeing and provide support for women fleeing violence and to increase their superannuation savings.
“Recently I announced some big local projects under the Regional Connectivity Program. The budget injects a further $84m for a second round of the program which I expect to be keenly pursued in Grey.
“I am also pleased with the Budget announcement of $9.0 million over four years to extend the Improved Access to Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals program to help farmers to gain improved access to safe and effective agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
“Cheaper Childcare through a $1.7b Childcare package, tax cuts for low and middle income earners, more support for health and $13.2bn extra for the NDIS will benefit all communities.
“The special consideration offering a higher payment for bulk-billing medical practices in the country is a move to try and bring more health services to the country.
“All in all, this is a Budget that will steer Australia through a pandemic, drive down unemployment and provide massive spending for essential services.
“I am proud to be part of the team that has delivered for all Australians.”