Nationals MP Gaelle Broad met with the Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell and Nationals leader Peter
Walsh to discuss the State Budget in Bendigo this morning.
Mr Rowswell confirmed that this week’s Budget inflicts more pain on Victorian workers, families and
businesses when they can least afford it.
“It’s concerning the state debt will continue to rise, despite Victorians paying much more tax.
“The tidal wave of debt is still coming. We’re not at the peak in this budget yet,” Ms Broad said.
“The budget has slashed millions in funding from key portfolio areas including health, roads,
emergency services, agriculture and infrastructure.
“North central Victoria’s crumbling roads will only decay further with maintenance funding slashed by
45 per cent since 2020, and from $702.2 million to just $441.6 million in the last year alone.
“I met a local who mentioned that we no longer drive on the left of our roads – we drive on what’s
left of our roads.”
The State Budget provided no clarity on important infrastructure projects for the Commonwealth
Games, which is less than three years away.
The Government has dropped the baton, and needs to provide this infrastructure funding
immediately, to ensure we have enough time to plan and build.
“The regional development budget has again been cut, halved from $211.5 million to $106.6 million.
“On health, there is no plan in this budget to solve regional Victoria’s workforce issues. This will only
leave more Victorians on waiting lists. Meanwhile, major hospital redevelopments and upgrades that
are badly needed in regional Victorian towns such as Mildura and Shepparton have not been funded.
“Instead of reducing wasteful spending, this Government has increased new taxes – placing pressure
on landlords and businesses. Changes to land tax for landlords will hurt housing affordability and
drive up rents in an already painfully tight market.
“Payroll tax increases will make it harder for companies to do business in Victoria – and we need
business to invest in this state to create new jobs so our economy can grow.
Under Labor life is getting harder in regional Victoria, and we need a change.
Media contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.a
