Alison Byrnes, Federal Member for Cunningham, said that Labor’s first budget delivers on the Albanese Government’s commitments to Cunningham and the nation.
This responsible Budget is right for the times and readies us for the future.
Ms Byrnes said that she was pleased to be able to deliver on her election commitments to address cost of living pressures, deliver cheaper child care, fund TAFE and university places, deliver cleaner energy, provide more affordable housing and provide support for local projects that help make the Illawarra a better place to live.
“The Budget provides cost of living relief in a responsible way, it targets investments in a strong, modern economy and it begins the difficult task of budget repair”, she said.
In addition to the recently announced 936 additional university places for the University of Wollongong the budget delivers on training commitments around renewable energy skills development providing $10 million for the Energy Futures Skills Centre to be located at the University of Wollongong and $2.5 million for upgraded equipment and teaching aids, creating a Renewable Energy Training facility at Wollongong TAFE.
To further support action on climate change, improve access to renewable energy and reduce energy costs funds will also be provided to install a community battery in Warrawong.
Ms Byrnes said that 5,700 local families will benefit from the Albanese Government’s commitment to lowering the cost of living by reducing the cost of childcare.
“Cheaper child care is a game-changing investment in families, our workforce and our economy – it’s cost of living relief with an economic dividend”, she said.
Additional cost of living measures that will support local residents and families include the recently announced expansion in paid parental leave; cheaper medicines; more affordable housing; and getting wages growing again.
“There is no denying that there is considerable pressure on our local health system and the confirmation of the Albanese Government’s investment in a Wollongong Medicare Urgent Care Centre will be welcome news to patients, families and health professionals alike”, Ms Byrnes said.
The Wollongong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will help Illawarra families who are struggling to access GP services and help meet rising out-of-pocket costs to see a GP.
Improving access to affordable housing is also a key feature of the Budget. Our shared ambition is to build one million new well-located homes over five years from 2024 - because every Australian deserves the security of a roof over their head. This will be delivered through additional social and affordable housing, the National Housing Infrastructure Facility and Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee that will help people to buy a home with a deposit as low as five per cent, without paying Lender’s Mortgage Insurance.
“Over the last few months I have been able to work with a number of sporting, multicultural, disability and community organisations to secure funding for 15 important local projects that will improve access for people with a disability, improve sporting services and support our local community organisations (see attached list)
“The Budget provides nearly $1.4 million to deliver these projects that will benefit kids through to seniors”, Ms Byrnes said.
The Illawarra Legal Centre will also receive a $1 million injection to help in disaster affected areas like the South Coast.
“The economic headwinds we face are tough and our best defence is responsible economic management.
“Tonight’s budget takes a responsible approach to household budgets and government finances today while investing in our future through increased training, boosting housing availability and taking action on climate change”, Ms Byrnes said.
