NEW England is set to benefit from funding for the inland rail, a youth employment pathway and billions of dollars for water infrastructure announced in the Federal Budget last night.
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Treasurer Scott Morrison handed down a “practical, targeted and responsible” 2016/17 Budget, which he said would fix problems in the tax system, promote jobs and growth and ensure the government lives within its means.
Agriculture Minister and New England MP Barnaby Joyce praised the government’s $4 billion investment into the agricultural industry and the $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility to accelerate major water infrastructure construction, including dams and pipelines.
“This is a budget with the hardworking people in the New England in mind – making their lives a little easier, their towns more secure and their futures a lot stronger,” Mr Joyce said.
Mr Joyce confirmed New England would get more than $2.8 million to tackle road black spots, while local councils would share in more than $16.9 million for essential road repairs and upgrades.
“It is only by having a seat at the table, where the decisions are made, that our region can be sure of receiving the funding and services it deserves,” he said.
New England independent candidate Tony Windsor said the education funding did not deliver the Gonski outcomes, while tax cuts aimed at addressing bracket creep was not tax reform for a fairer, simpler tax system.
“People should also remember that unless a project or program is a specific line item, that projects or program funding are not guaranteed,” Mr Windsor said.
The government has committed $594 million to the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project, which would pass through New England, to continue pre-construction activities and purchase land for the project.
“This economic plan is the foundation on which we can build a brighter, more secure future, in a stronger, new economy with more jobs,” Mr Morrison said in his Budget speech to Parliament.
The Budget includes plans to roll out a new $840 million youth employment package to help young jobseekers enter the workforce, by allowing them to gain skills and real work experience.
The three-stage pathway will involve training and four-to-12-week internships, to give jobseekers a chance to show what they can do in the workplace, and a youth bonus wage subsidy of $6500 to $10,000 for businesses that take on eligible jobseekers.
