Mr Shorten said there were a number of measures in the budget that will directly benefit the people of Maribyrnong and Melbourne’s west.
“This budget sets the National Disability Insurance Scheme in stone, with sustainable funding for this generational reform. Around 2,280 people living in my electorate may be eligible for support under DisabilityCare,” Mr Shorten said.
“If Denis Napthine signs up to the National Plan for School Improvement, Victorian schools will get an extra $4 billion, which I’m sure would be great news, particularly for schools in disadvantaged areas of Melbourne’s west.
Mr Shorten said other budget decisions would also help people in Maribyrnong.
“Increasing the amount of income that can be earned by people on Newstart and other benefits before their payments are affected should immediately affect 948 people in Maribyrnong, who are on income support but also earn more than $62 per fortnight. It will also benefit a further 5,316 people should they move into work.
“Extended funding for Job Services Australia and Disability Employment Services will mean that they can continue to provide this vital service in Melbourne’s west. In my electorate alone, JSA has placed 17,450 people in work since the program was established in mid-2009, while 2,325 people have found a job through Disability Employment Services.”
Mr Shorten said Maribyrnong would also benefit from;
- $240,000 in funding to fix a black spot intersection in St Albans.
- A further $1.4 million for Moonee Valley City Council, Brimbank City Council and City of Maribyrnong in the Roads to Recovery program.
- Further investment in the Western Ring Road upgrade and Regional Rail Link, and funding for preliminary work on the Metro Rail tunnel.
- Extra funding for new equipment in every Broadband for Seniors kiosk (located at Moonee Ponds Bowling Club, Maribyrnong Park Bowls Club, Kellaway Neighbourhood Centre, Corandirk House, Ardmillan Place, Mekong Vietnamese Aged Care, Sunshine RSL, and Edenvale Manor Aged Care).
- A trial program allowing pensioners to downsize their home without it affecting their pension. There are 14,006 pensioners in Maribyrnong who are home-owners.
- Up to 27 grants for young performers under the new Creative Young Stars program, providing $23,500 to encourage, support, and celebrate young people in creative, cultural, academic and community events or training.
“Make no mistake, this is a government absolutely determined to support jobs and economic growth, and that’s exactly what this budget is all about” Mr Shorten said.
The 2013-14 Budget builds on the Gillard Governments investments in the infrastructure for the future and puts the Budget on a sustainable path to surplus.
ENDS
Contact: Jayne Edwards 9326 1300 / 0410 455 737
