General News
9 April, 2025
Candidates voice concern for federal budget
CANDIDATES for the Wannon electorate have teed off on a Federal Budget they say fails to deliver the investment the region needs.
Following the Australian Government’s unveiling of the Budget 2025-2026, candidates for the upcoming federal election Dan Tehan (Liberal) and Alex Dyson (Independent) slammed the decisions handed down by the Albanese Labor Government.
Mr Tehan said families would be “poorer” thanks to the Budget.
“The Budget confirmed the $150 energy rebate will barely make a dent in the energy price hikes under Labor, with annual power bills in Victoria up to $638 more than Labor promised,” he said.
“The relief in this Budget will be cold comfort to the typical Australian household with a mortgage that is $50,000 worse off under Labor.
“Inflation is staying higher for longer under Labor and this Government has increased spending by $425 billion – or around $40,000 for every Australian household.”
Mr Tehan said the Budget lacked the investment the region needs, with community infrastructure and roads coming out losers.
“Labor has no new funding for key programs that build community infrastructure in Wannon, such as the Stronger Communities program, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Growing Regions program and the Regional Precincts and Partnership program,” he said.
“There’s nothing for roads around Warrnambool, Hamilton, Colac, Ararat, Portland, and Port Fairy.
“Labor has failed to improve productivity which is the driver of economic growth that rewards all Australians – productivity has collapsed by six per cent under Labor, and there is nothing to reverse this productivity disaster in the Budget.”
Mr Dyson joined the chorus of criticism, saying the Budget simply was “just not good enough”.
He welcomed some of the government’s cost of living measures and increased investment in healthcare, but said regional and rural communities are missing out on funding due to safe seat politics.
“Every day we feel the impact of political neglect driving on unsafe roads – and this Budget was another massive let down,” he said.
“The Treasurer announced $17.1 billion in new road and rail funding, including billions for projects in Melbourne, but not one cent for any projects in Wannon.
“It’s just not good enough. Wannon’s roads are in an absolutely disgraceful condition, threatening lives and livelihoods. In a cost of living crisis, no one can afford to damage their vehicle.
Mr Dyson said, if elected, he would be in a position to get a better deal on roads funding.
“For too long the needs of our community have been ignored by the Labor Party and taken for granted by the Liberal Party,” he said.
“Roads are my number one priority.
“As an Independent, I can work with communities to push whoever forms government to finally get fair funding for our region.
“Regional and rural Independents like Helen Haines and Bob Katter have consistently secured more infrastructure funding for their communities.
“If elected, I can be Wannon’s Independent champion.”
While the candidates voiced their concerns, the Albanese Labor Government has stood by its intent to deliver a lower deficit and lower inflation while providing tax and cost of living relief to Australians.
“Responsible economic management is a defining feature of this Government and this Budget,” Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers said.
“While the global economy is uncertain and Australians are still under pressure, we have made substantial progress in turning the economy and the Budget position around.
“Inflation is down, unemployment is low, wages are up, interest rates have started to come down, and growth has rebounded solidly.
“At the same time, the government has delivered the biggest Budget turnaround in a Parliamentary term – improving the Budget by $207 billion – while delivering responsible cost of living relief to millions of Australians to ease pressures on households.”
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