Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, today said she is proud to stand in this Federal Election on her record of working hard for the people of the region and delivering on major projects.
Ms King said the Labor Government is delivering a national reform agenda in health, education, social welfare and infrastructure which will benefit people across the region for years to come.
“I am working hard for local people, organisations and businesses across our region and I will continue to do so,” Ms King said.
“I am delivering on important projects for our region and the evidence is clear that this Labor Government has done just that – in stark contrast to the absolute neglect in the past under previous Liberal Governments.
Ms King said these projects included:
• $160 million for the Anthonys Cutting Bypass east of Bacchus Marsh;
• $115 million for new classrooms, libraries and other facilities at schools across the electorate;
• $42 million for the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
• $39.7 million for the new Science and Technology Precinct at the University of Ballarat (UB);
• $18 million for the Manufacturing Technology Training Centre at UB;
• $14 million for local projects across the region such as the upgrade of halls, new playgrounds and streetscape improvements;
• $2.7 million for the Clunes Museum and Interpretive Centre and $2.6 million for the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.
“Of course, I have also fought to put us at the forefront of the NBN fast broadband roll out and communities across the region are now benefitting from this, while others are firmly in the delivery plan for the next three years.
“These are just some of the great investments this Labor Government has delivered for our region.
“Seniors across the region are benefitting from record increases in their pensions and people with a disability, their families and carers are welcoming the introduction of Disability Care Australia.”
Ms King said the economic credentials of the Labor Government are strong and have led the country successfully through the Global Economic Crisis.
“We did this without going into recession and without bringing on mass unemployment, while maintaining low inflation levels and low interest rates for Australian families,” Ms King said.
“Australia is one of only eight nations with a AAA Credit Rating and a stable outlook from all three international ratings agencies.
“Since taking office in 2007:
• Our economy has grown by more than 14 per cent;
• We have created more than 950,000 jobs;
• The official cash rate is now 2.75 per cent, saving families with an average mortgage ($300,000) $5,500 a year, compared to when John Howard left Office.”
Ms King said there is a clear choice in this election – between a Labor Government which has a strong record of delivering for the people of the region and a plan for the nation and the utterly negative Liberals with nothing to offer.
“I look forward to the campaign ahead and the opportunity to constructively debate Labor’s positive plan for our region and the nation.”