WHEN the Albanese government took office their catch-cry was they would govern for all Australians, making sure “no one is left behind”.
This week Labor laid down their second budget, but for those who call the regions home, there is cause to feel left behind, that this government isn’t governing for us.
The Treasurer did not mention roads, bridges, agriculture, dams or infrastructure once.
Our farmers who feed and clothe the nation, and contribute so much to Australia’s gross domestic product, have been hit with an absurd $153 million tax over the next three years – footing two-thirds of the bill for biosecurity risks posed by foreign importers.
Resulting in costs that will be evident at the checkout when you go to shop.
Truckies, such a vital part of our supply chain, have been slapped with their own tax – an 18 per cent over three years rise in road user charges for heavy vehicles.
The Treasurer, true to his summer essay on values-based capitalism, showed his government’s disinterest in the regions.
He did not declare there is an end to further funding of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, nor that he is scrapping the Stronger Communities Program.
He did not refer to Labor’s Growing Regions Program, which prioritises big ticket items over smaller community funding needs. A blow to the regions.
The budget also failed to address dire workforce shortages in regional towns.
This was no more apparent than in health – though billions will be directed to Medicare and a tripling of the bulk billing incentive were the headlines.
However, an incentive is no good if there is no doctor there to provide the service to begin with, and Labor has failed to address this.
As they have failed to address the concerns of many in Mallee and regional Australia.
