This week’s State Budget has confirmed regional Victorians will continue to face more pain under Labor, with the government slashing spending to roads and agriculture while increasing taxes.
Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, said the budget’s theme of “focusing on what matters” could not be more inaccurate, with the cruel introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund set to rip $765 million alone from Victorians’ pockets, on top of Labor’s existing 60 taxes.
Ms Kealy said the 25-26 budget proved yet again that Victorians were paying the price for Labor’s financial incompetence, with the state heading towards debt of $192 billion and interest repayments of close to $30 million a day.
“This is crucial money that could be going towards regional roads, schools, hospitals and local jobs,” Ms Kealy said.
“Instead, the Labor Government is tearing funds away from regional families, farmers and small businesses through its new emergency services tax, which will hit regional landowners hardest while delivering little back to the communities that need it most.”
Ms Kealy said the budget failed to confirm Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals for Horsham, Stawell and Hamilton, promised years ago.
The hubs provide support for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, and were one of the commitments from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
“Our communities are crying out for more mental health support to fill critical gaps that exist, but yet again Labor has failed to outline when local people can expect to see the assistance that was promised,” Ms Kealy said.
“Mental health support has never been more important, with much of our region facing drought, and Labor’s new emergency services tax only intensifying the pressure on farmers, business owners and families.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our mental health system, and our communities continue to pay the price.”
Ms Kealy said the budget did offer some positive news, with capital funding finally marked for Edenhope College and Stawell West Primary School after years of broken Labor promises to upgrade these schools.
Hamilton North Primary School will also receive money for capital works.
“It will be a welcome relief for these schools to finally get the money they deserve. I have seen first-hand the need for these upgrades and have stood with our schools over many years to fight for these much-needed improvements,” Ms Kealy said.
“Investment in education is vital to support our young people; Labor now needs to ensure that after years of waiting, these upgrades are delivered without further delay and to their full scope.”