Longman families are among the big winners in this year’s Federal Budget with a range of initiatives and some big-ticket items to help the region’s economic recovery.
Member for Longman Terry Young said around 64,800 taxpayers in the electorate are being rewarded for their hard work with tax relief of up to $2,745 this year.
“This is a result of the Morrison Government’s decision to extend the low and middle income tax offset to 2021-22 and the decision to bring forward Stage 2 of the Government’s tax relief plan,” Mr Young said.
“It will put more money in the pockets of hardworking residents in Longman and ultimately boost the local economy.”
On the jobs and training front, the Morrison Government is extending and expanding the JobTrainer Fund which will provide more opportunities for locals to get an apprenticeship or traineeship.
“We are also providing 50 per cent wage subsidies for 170,000 new apprentices and trainees on top of the 100,000 apprentices already supported,” Mr Young said.
“We are continuing tax incentives that will allow around 14,700 businesses in Longman to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase.”
The Government is encouraging home ownership by expanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme and helping more first home buyers build a home with a 5 per cent deposit; and helping eligible single parents purchase a home with a 2 per cent deposit.
The Government will continue guaranteeing the essential services many locals rely on with more support for aged care, mental health and childcare.
“We are delivering a $17.7 billion package of support for aged car which includes an additional 80,000 Home Care Packages,” Mr Young said.
“The Budget also includes support for 33,000 new personal carer training places, higher payments for residential care and stronger regulation.
“We’re also extending telehealth consultations to the end of this year. Around 371,700 telehealth consultations through Medicare have been delivered in Longman since the start of the pandemic.
“Our childcare reforms will increase affordability for around 1,770 families living in Longman, opening the door for parents to return to the workforce or increase their hours.
“We will also remove the $10,560 cap on the Child Care Subsidy.
“We’re also committing $2.3 billionto mental health care and suicide prevention, including more Headspace centres to support more young Australians, greater access to psychiatrists, through Medicare and a new National Suicide Prevention Office.
“We are doubling our commitment for women’s safety through more emergency accommodation, more legal assistance and counselling and more financial support for those escaping abusive relationships.”
Mr Young said mobile phone coverage in fringe urban areas would also be improved thanks to the new $16.4 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP).
“This will open the door for new mobile infrastructure to improve coverage in areas like Wamuran and Caboolture South,” Mr Young said.
“We are also investing in new major infrastructure with $10 million to upgrade Bribie Island Road between Hickey Road and King John Creek.
“This is a significant upgrade and along with improvements at Old Toorbul Point Rd, will help reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and support local jobs during its construction.”
This Budget also invests a further $1.6 billion to fund priority technologies to help protect our environment including clean hydrogen and energy storage and upgraded recycling capabilities.
“This Budget is the next stage in securing Australia’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” Mr Young said.
“This is achieved through personal income tax cuts, incentives for local businesses, new apprenticeship and training places, improved roads and mobile phone coverage and record funding for schools, hospitals, aged care, mental health and the NDIS.”