Willcox And Landry Slam Federal Budget Saying Central Queensland Has Been Short-Changed

Federal Members for Capricornia and Dawson, Michelle Landry and Andrew Willcox, have come out swinging after the Federal Budget was announced on Tuesday evening, saying funding for local projects has been axed and the Government has failed across key issues like infrastructure, childcare and cost of living measures.

Ms Landry said Labor has failed the test they set out for themselves in providing true relief to Australian families while Willcox said the cost-of-living crisis is set to get worse under this budget.

“The test for the federal budget was to address the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on Australians,” Ms Landry said.

“Labor has failed this test. This budget does nothing to assist your family budget,” she added.

“Just before the election, the Prime Minister told Australians that they ‘will be better off under a Labor government.’

“In fact, by Christmas, the average Australian family will be at least $2,000 worse off,” Ms Landry said.

Mr Willcox added that “Groceries are eight per cent higher, not just because of natural disasters, but also because of Labor’s foolish political decision to scrap our Ag Visa.”

“Supply has been slashed because farmers and processors are only working at around 60 per cent capacity, which has put upward pressure at the checkout for families in Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.

He also added that retail electricity prices are predicted to go up by 50 per cent.

“Interest rates have already gone up and are predicted to go up further under Labor, which is ripping hundreds of dollars out of households each month.”

Labor’s budget has far-reaching effects on Capricornia and Central Queensland and Ms Landry fears the region will be left worse off after considering some of the key measures announced.

“$32 million has been allocated to help the Queensland Government drive people in the Pioneer Valley out of their homes.

“$10 billion in regional programs have been axed, including the Regional Development Plan, Regional Accelerator Program, Community Development Grants, and the Building Better Regions Fund,” Ms Landry said.

“Labor’s Pioneer-Burdekin Project is nothing more than a thought bubble that is set to wipe out local homes,” Mr Willcox added.

Regarding childcare, Ms Landry said the Federal Budget has “clearly turned its back on families desperate to find regional and rural childcare places”.

Ms Landry said accessibility is the key issue for regional families.

“While the Treasurer announced $4.7 billion in childcare measures, he couldn’t create one new additional childcare place, leaving regional and rural families no better off.

“Childcare affordability is not the main issue for regional families - accessibility is,” Ms Landry said.

Mr Willcox added, “In another blow, Labor is taking the fun out of regional and rural Australia.”

“The Budget won’t proceed with round 2 of the Agricultural Shows Development Grant program and is also scrapping funding for the Agricultural Show and Field Days program.

“Labor doesn't understand regional Australians and what’s important in our communities,” Mr Willcox said.

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