A budget for every Ipswich resident – a budget bonanza for Blair was the pitch the moment the Federal Budget was handed down last week.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Budget delivered on cost of living for everyone, including tax cuts for every taxpayer, a $300 energy rebate for every household, wiping around $3 billion from student HECS debts, kickstarting the construction of more homes in every part of the country, cutting the prices of more common medicines through the cheaper medicines policy, and providing a better deal for every working parent by paying superannuation on top of paid parental leave.
However, the feedback from the public is split, with many residents saying the Budget is far from a home run.
“Mostly smoke and mirrors,” said one Bellbird Park resident.
“I don’t like the non-means- tested electricity rebate, especially for people with multiple properties.
“Mental Health has also been neglected after the Government halved the amount of visits that can be rebated from 20 to 10 just 18 months ago.
“This Budget has the look and feel of an election vote sweetener and not much else.”
As reported exclusively in last week’s Local Ipswich News, all three of Mr Neumann’s big ticket infrastructure items on his Budget wishlist have been signed off on, those being $134.5 million for the Warrego Highway – Mt Crosby Road Interchange upgrade, $42.5 million to fix the Bremer River Bridge; and an additional $1.5 million for the Cunningham Highway – Safety Package.
Mr Neumann said the Government’s responsible economic management would mean a second consecutive Budget surplus, while this Budget delivered new help for people doing it tough.
Spokesperson for the Ipswich Lockyer Greens, Danielle Mutton was quick to respond to the Budget:
“This Budget does very little to be kind to people who are struggling under a cost-of-living and affordable housing crisis in the Ipswich region.
“Ordinary people are paying the price for the Government’s inflation response.
“We are talking about ordinary people in our community who are struggling to pay their bills, put food on the table and find secure housing.”
