As we move through the 2015 Federal budget week, I believe it is important to reflect on last year’s budget and consider how this year will be different.
Last year’s budget was tough, responding to a lot of hard decisions that needed to be made. As difficult as it was, last year’s budget was also very effective in helping the Coalition Government’s plan to build a strong, prosperous economy for all Australians.
One of the biggest achievements from last year’s budget is that the Coalition Government has already halved the debt and deficit trajectory. This will not only help us to achieve a sustainable Australian economy, but it will also go some way to ensuring that our future generations will not be burdened by significant debt.
The 2015 budget will be much easier to understand. This budget will be responsible, measured and fair and it will make life easier for families and help Australian small businesses to get ahead.
The budget will also support continued investment into critical infrastructure. In the Parkes electorate, this will include the National Stronger Regions Fund which will provide assistance for priority infrastructure in regional communities.
The Mobile Black Spot Programme will also continue under this budget in an endeavor to extend mobile phone coverage and competition in regional Australia, including the Parkes electorate.
I believe that the Coalition Government has made good progress from last year’s budget. The 2015 budget will be responsible and fair and will support the needs of the people of the Parkes electorate.
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I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Senator Richard Di Natale on his appointment as Leader of the Greens.
I am interested to see whether a new Leader for the Greens will mean new policies.
Of particular interest to the Parkes electorate is the Greens’ position on the fuel tax credits scheme (FTCS), more commonly known as the diesel fuel rebate. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), a Greens affiliated organisation, recently announced a plan to cap fuel tax credit claims at $20,000 per claimant by 2018-19.
The ACF has made a ridiculous claim that the proposed cap would not adversely affect farmers. Any support the Greens give to such a claim would just prove that they remain out of touch with rural and regional communities.
I wish Senator Di Natale all the best in his leadership position.
