DAWSON DESERTED UNDER LABOR
Andrew Willcox MP says Dawson has been deserted by the Albanese Labor Government’s 2024-25 Federal Budget and only a Coalition Government can get Australia back on track.
“Last week’s budget handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers is a stark reminder that the people of regional Australia, especially in our electorate of Dawson, are not a priority under Labor,” Mr Willcox said.
“Despite the Prime Minister declaring that ‘no one would be held back, no one would be left behind,’ and the Treasurer boldly announcing that ‘this is the budget for the Bruce,’ there was absolutely no mention of the sections of the Bruce in my electorate of Dawson.
“In fact, we have seen regional spending slashed, the millions of dollars promised for the Bruce Highway are being funnelled into the southeast corner, and their cost-of-living relief promises fall short of doing anything meaningful.
“In true Labor style, the Prime Minister and Treasurer have delivered a budget for blatantly obvious political purposes as opposed to a budget that will provide any substantial or lasting relief for the Australians who need it the most.”
Speaking on the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton’s Budget in Reply speech, Mr Willcox said he was “proud” to be a part of a party that cares about the people they are elected to represent.
“The Coalition has a plan to get Australia Back on Track, and the reply speech delivered by the Leader of the Opposition is a demonstration of this.
“Under a Coalition Government, we are determined to rein in inflationary spending, wind back regulatory roadblocks, lower taxes, and deliver more affordable and reliable energy to Australia.
“Australian’s have come off second best to the Labor Government’s inflationary spending, and we are now experiencing worse inflation than the majority of the developed countries around the world.
“Australia’s inflation is worse than the US, Singapore, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, South Korea, Canada, France, and the entire Euro area, and this doesn’t sit well with me.
“Australians deserve a government who genuinely care about maintaining and improving their way of life.
“Regional Australia cannot afford another three years under Labor, and come the Federal election, it is time to make a change.
“A change for you, your family, and our country.”
Mr Willcox explained that only a Coalition Government will alleviate pressure on the housing market by:
Reduce permanent migration – from 185,000 to 140,000 for two years (then 150,000 in year three and 160,000 in year four).
Return the refugee and humanitarian program planning level to the long-term average – from 20,000 to 13,750.
Implement a two-year ban on foreign residents purchasing existing homes.
A Coalition Government will also implement measures to:
Increase workforce participation, by recommitting to doubling the work bonus for around 80,000 pensioners.
Support small businesses, by extending the value of assets eligible for the instant asset write-off.
Deliver more affordable and reliable energy by ramping up domestic gas production.
Incentivise junior doctors training in general practice.
Improve community safety with tougher knife laws, tight bail laws and improved online safety.