Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has described the Budget as a “no-nonsense, sensible plan to strengthen our economy and ensure the benefits are shared by all”.
“I’d describe it as a back to basics approach – to ensure we balance the books and can afford to invest in the infrastructure and services we all need and want,” Mr Buchholz said
“The economy has been growing steadily and we’re currently creating around 1,000 every day – we don’t want to jeopardise that with big spending promises that rack up more debt like Labor. We need to build on that growth and encourage and reward hard working Australians.”
Mr Buchholz said 63,095 taxpayers in Wright stand to benefit from low and middle income tax relief in the upcoming 2018-19 financial year.
“The tax cuts become even more substantial as we address bracket creep over the coming years. Local workers will have the incentive to earn more because they’ll keep more of their hard-earned dollar. It’s about making the tax system simpler and fairer and easing the pressures on household budgets.”
Mr Buchholz said he welcomed the many initiatives in the “More Choices for a Longer Life” package, which would support the 22,729 people aged over 65 and their families in the electorate.
“Seniors are the backbone of our community and it’s great to see we’ve provided extra funding for in-home care, support to help seniors supplement their income, and a range of measures to improve the lives of our seniors.”
“I am also thrilled to see we’ve further extended the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses. Over 2,500 small businesses in Wright have already taken advantage of the Coalition Government’s instant asset write-off to improve their business.”
Mr Buchholz said there was a range of other measures that would have a direct benefit for the Wright community, including:
· $200 million for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which supports regional infrastructure and community investments.
· $29.7 million for the sports infrastructure grants program, to support local sporting clubs and improve facilities.
· A 56% funding boost for the Local Sporting Champions program, to support more local young sportspeople to attend events and competitions.
· A funding increase of 34 per cent for Queensland public hospitals.
· An increase in funding for local schools in Wright by $34.9 million by 2027.
· 6,403 local families set to benefit from new childcare reforms from 2nd July.
· $51.3 million to grow our agricultural exports and further improve market access opportunities overseas.
· $121.6 million investment in the biosecurity system to better manage future risks and maintain our favourable pest and disease status to support our agricultural trade push.
· $170 million to improve a dangerous stretch of the Cunningham Highway between Yamanto and Ebenezer.
“I am looking forward to discussing this Budget with locals in the pubs, shopping centres, and sporting and community groups in Wright because it really reflects the values they share – a belief in hard work and a fair go.”
“I am also pleased to see we’re cutting funding to the ABC, reducing funding for refugee programs, and that we are cracking down on criminals who receive welfare. It’s this sensible approach that contrasts with Labor’s big spending – which will only rack up more debt and threaten jobs,” Mr Buchholz said.