The State Budget was announced on Tuesday afternoon, unveiling measures to directly relieve the cost-of-living crisis and help people with everyday expenses.
From discounted car registration to cheaper public transport, the pre-election budget is aimed at creating real change, although several measures are conveniently due to expire just after the State Government election set to take place later this year.
Overall, a total of $11.2b in reductions to Queenslanders were outlined in this week’s budget announcement, which is 31% greater than last year.
Member For Burdekin, Dale Last MP, says he is disappointed with the budget, mainly because the appeal from residents for a CT scanner at Ayr Hospital has been ignored.
“As someone in Brisbane waits to catch a 50-cent train, someone in Ayr will be waiting hours to be transported to Townsville just for a CT scan,” he said.
“Today’s budget could have been an opportunity for this government to demonstrate that it had listened when hundreds of residents in Ayr put pen to paper to call for a CT scanner at their hospital but, instead, we didn’t see a cent.”
Mr Last added that despite a number of glossy re-announcements in the State Budget for parts of the Burdekin electorate, it was clear that major projects this community had advocated for had been ignored.
“Make no mistake, today’s budget was for the next four months, not the next four years and beyond.”
“We expect our front line services to be able to be afforded every training opportunity possible so that they are as prepared as they can be in times of emergency yet that won’t be the case in Ayr with no funding commitment towards a new fire station.”
“The Treasurer was quick to mention cost of living measures throughout the budget but ultimately those measures mean little in this electorate when you can’t find a home to live in because social housing waitlists have blown out and there is no crisis accommodation available.”
Budget Breakdown
• 20 per cent reduction in car rego for 12 months.
• Flat fare of 50 cents across the state’s public transport network for 6 months.
• Increasing the value of FairPlay vouchers from $150 to $200.
• $15 million for the School and Community Food Relief Program.
• Increase the threshold for first home buyer stamp duty concessions by $200,000 to properties valued under $700,000.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
