The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the State budget presented by the Treasurer. This budget sets out a clear plan to meet these challenges and to position Victoria to take full advantage of current and future opportunities. It is about rebuilding the state’s finances.
“The state of Victoria was left in a financial mess thanks to Labor’s legacy. The previous Labor Government wasted billions of dollars during its 11 year reign – we have seen massive losses on the MYKI project, the North South Pipeline, and the Desalination Plant now costing $1.2 m per day.”
“We as a government are also dealing with significant revenue write-downs. Much of this is due to slower consumption growth, and some is due to the reduction in Victoria’s share of the GST. The revenue estimates from GST and Stamp Duty have been reduced by $7.6 billion over the four years.”
“A state budget is like a household budget – we need to live within our means,” Mr Delahunty said.
“Our budget is about investing in state infrastructure such as a $3 million water treatment facility for Jeparit, enhancing front line services, taking new measures to protect the most vulnerable Victorians and meeting the community needs in health, education and community safety.”
“The Coalition is spending $336m on child protection services and the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development announced a new capital funding round for early childhood services across Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The Coalition Government is engaged in a range of activities to promote the fantastic opportunities that exist in rural and regional Victoria and part of this is the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which is spearheading innovative and creative investment in regional and rural communities that is supporting jobs, growth and a better quality of life. For example $500,000 towards a $1.6 million project to develop the Horsham Enterprise Estate to secure new industries for Horsham.”
The 2012-13 budget will fund new rolling stock for the regional rail network, a further $172 million will be spent on regional rail maintenance and $42 million will construct a further duplication of the Western Highway between Beaufort and Buangor.
To improve Victoria’s competitive position WorkCover premiums will be reduced by 3% from 1st July this year. The budget also injects $61 million into the new agriculture and food industry plan to help maximise the opportunities from improved prices and better climatic conditions.
“I am acutely aware of the pressures on western Victorian families, but our government spending priorities focus on driving economic growth, generating jobs, improving front line service deliveries and protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Victorian families know that in challenging times you have to act responsibly and eliminate waste. Our government will improve efficiency to deliver better services and build a stronger foundation for the future,” Mr Delahunty said.
