Budget 2010

The 2010 Budget strengthens the economy, helps families and secures our future growth.

With responsible management the Government will halve peak debt and get the budget back in black in 3 years, 3 years early.

The Budget converts the successes we’ve had during the global recession into a stronger, more secure economy for working families.

A stronger economy across the electorate of Ballarat means we can make the investments we need.

We are making new investments in:

• Health and hospitals

• In skills training and infrastructure, and

• A new Renewable Energy Future Fund to help tackle climate change.

We are making significant progress on priority projects like the:

• $55 million new cancer centre for Ballarat

• $200 million realignment of the Western Highway at Anthony’s Cutting

• $505 million duplication of the Western Highway from Ballarat to Stawell.

We are making tax time simpler for families by providing a standard tax deduction, and delivering a third round of tax cuts.

And we are increasing the superannuation guarantee from 9% to 12% - meaning greater security in retirement for all local families - whether they are from Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh, Creswick or Clunes, Darley or Daylesford.

Small businesses will benefit from a reduction in the company tax rate and the ability to instantly write down assets worth $5,000 dollars or less.

Through this Budget, we are investing  an additional $2.2 billion dollars for better health and better hospitals through the National Health and Hospitals Network.

We will upgrade more than 400 GP clinics and primary care services to provide more services to the community, like out-of-hours care.

Locally, we have worked hard during the past year to tackle the challenges of the global financial crisis.

And now, across the Ballarat electorate, we have an opportunity to take advantage of our hard work by sharing in the benefits of economic growth.

This responsible Budget delivers that for families in our region.

For a copy of Wayne Swan's Budget speech, click here.