Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has welcomed the 2015 Budget as a blue-print for the Government’s long-term plan to build a stronger, safer and prosperous future for our region.

Ms Ley said she was delighted to see a number of new national budget measures
directly important to the future of people and communities across the Farrer electorate.

These include a $5.5 billion Jobs and Small Business package – the biggest small business package in our nation’s history – plus a $4.4 billion Families Package to give parents more choice and opportunity to work.

Announced as part of the budget, Round One of the Government’s Stronger Regions Fund provides $212 million for 51 infrastructure projects, including $655,000 for an upgrade of the Mulwala Industrial Estate Development.

The Stronger Communities Programme will also fund smaller capital projects in local Farrer communities to the tune of $150,000 per year over the next two years, to support projects
which deliver social benefits.

As a part of our Jobs for Families Child Care package, the Government is investing an additional $327.7 million to provide targeted support to disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

A further boost will be provided to communities hit by the drought, taking the total value of measures available in this year’s budget to more than $400 million.

We’re providing $33.7 million over four years to extend the Regional Aviation Access Programme and an $20.0 million to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Finally, the government will provide $36.4 million over four years in additional funding for a programme of initiatives to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War and
the Anzac Centenary.

“Budgets are always a financial balancing act but this document is both measured and fair,
with a clear aim to build a stronger economy across the country. It’s a very good budget
for regional areas like Farrer”, Ms Ley concluded.

Ms Ley’s Ministerial media statement relating to the Health and Sport portfolios is here.