Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King has called on the Abbott Government to rule out proposed cuts in Tuesday’s budget that threaten to leave many in our community behind.
“Speculation is rife that Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey are planning wide-ranging cuts and increased taxes that will hurt many of the most vulnerable in our community including families, pensioners, students and workers,” Ms King said.
“Everything from new income taxes, increased fuel excise, GP and hospital taxes, more expensive medicines, plus cuts to pensions, carer payments, childcare and social services will add enormous cost of living pressures for families right across our community.
“We’ve already seen critical cuts to infrastructure investment, a reduction in local services and the closure of our car industry.
“The Abbott Government needs to continue with key local projects funded under Labor’s Nation Building Program by delivering in full the $9.1 million allocated for Stage 1 of the Ballarat Freight Hub and additional investment for upgrades of the Western Highway.
“Funding previously axed for local community infrastructure projects must also be restored, including: $7 million for the Bacchus Marsh Indoor Swimming Centre; $1.25 million for the Multi-Purpose Centre at Victoria Park, Daylesford; and $891,000 for an All Inclusive Playground in Ballarat.
“Failure to do so will run the risk of doing immeasurable long term damage to our community that will take years to recover from.
“There is absolutely no justification to leave people and entire communities behind. I call on Tony Abbott to come to his senses and not force these cruel cuts on our community.”