Federal Labor Member for Maribyrnong, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, has said the Gillard Government’s 2011-12 Budget will strengthen Australia’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities on the ground in our community.
“This is a responsible Budget that will get us back in black by 2012-13, get more Australians in jobs and spread the benefits of the mining boom.
“This Budget will drive opportunities for families and young people in Maribyrnong by investing in training, education and job creation” said Mr Shorten.
For example, a $1700 Trades Apprentice Income Bonus will be provided to up to 2888 apprentices in Maribyrnong to encourage them to complete their critical trade qualifications.
The Gillard Government also recognises the needs of the long term unemployed. To help them prepare for and find work, an additional $2.7m funding over 2012-15 will support local employment services in Maribyrnong to provide training and work experience.
A further $111.7m package for recipients of the Disability Support Pension will provide extra support for people with a disability through increased employment services, new rules allowing work up to 30 hours a week and support for employers to take on more people with a disability through new financial incentives.
The Budget recognises that training a bigger workforce is vital for the strength of our economy and the living standards of our community.
But it also delivers major new investments in health along with an historic package of mental health reform, including $2.2 billion to deliver additional services with a greater focus on prevention and early intervention and an extra $53 million to improve access to public dental services.
Although a very responsible budget, Mr Shorten said that he had worked hard to deliver a number of key local projects for our community.
“I’ve always been someone that works to get the best deal for our local area. Although a tough budget in some respects, it still delivers quite a bit for our community” said Mr Shorten.
Budget 2011/12 – Budget Highlights for Maribyrnong
· New partial Medicare licence for the existing MRI machine at Future Medical Imaging
· More than $61, 000 in Broadband for Seniors Kiosks
· 3600 local families may be eligible for an extra $4,200 per child aged between 16 and 19 years under changes to the Family Tax Benefit
· Over $325,000 funding to Moonee Valley City Council for the Roads to Recovery program (with $1.6 million overall funding)
· This is in addition to the $209 million ongoing funding for the Western Ring Road Upgrade (totals $900 million)
· $448 million for the Regional Rail Express ($3,225 billion total funding)
Mr Shorten said that bringing the Budget back to black in 2012/13 was a significant achievement and was necessary to reduce pressure on inflation and interest rates.
“While many countries around the world are still struggling to pick themselves up from the GFC, Australia’s economy is strong and unemployment is low.
“Make no mistake, we would not be back in black by 2012/13 if it weren’t for this Labor Government saving Australia from recession during the GFC.” said Mr Shorten.
More than 750,000 Australians are in jobs today than when the Government took office, in stark contrast to the 30 million jobs that were lost across the globe during in the aftermath of the GFC.
“The 2011/12 Budget further builds on Australia’s strong economic record, with a continued focus on jobs, skills and opportunities” said Mr Shorten.
Media enquiries: Annette Hibberd (03) 9326 1300
