Ken Ticehurst (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The 2007-08 budget is reflective of the Howard government’s strong economic management over the past decade. Since the coalition came into government in 1996, interest rates have reduced, inflation has halved and unemployment has reached a 30-year low. It is only because this government has made the tough decisions over the last 11 years and paid back all Labor’s debt that we are able to lock in our current prosperity, keep the nation secure and address the challenges of the future.

Labor’s economic credibility remains under a cloud following the opposition leader’s claims that he would fund all Labor’s promises from an alleged $3 billion in savings that does not even exist. Labor similarly has no credibility on economic management and no plan to manage their $234 million budget. On the other hand, the coalition’s hard work and fiscal discipline has resulted in a budget that is providing a helping hand across the board. There is extra assistance for working families and low-income earners in Dobell, putting more money back into their pockets. New personal tax cuts worth $31.5 billion reward hard work and savings. Over 80 per cent of taxpayers will be paying a top marginal tax rate of 30 per cent or less. This builds on the $36.7 billion personal income tax cuts provided in the last budget.

Central Coast families who rely on the government’s childcare payments will be substantially better off. From 1 July 2007, rates of childcare benefit will be increased by 10 per cent on top of indexation. This means families will get to put more of their earnings towards other important household expenses. In combination with the changes to taxation, these reforms will significantly improve work incentives for mothers. In addition, the government will bring forward payment of the childcare tax rebate of up to $4,200 each year per child. This is great news for Central Coast families. This year they will receive two years of rebate, which would mean a total of up to $8,400 per child, depending on circumstances.

This budget also represents a commitment to securing retirement incomes. There is a one-off doubling of the superannuation co-contribution for eligible contributions. This means an eligible person who contributes $1,000 will receive a co-contribution of $3,000 from the government for that year, greatly encouraging and supporting residents of Dobell in securing their future. The government’s simplified superannuation reforms will take effect from 1 July 2007. I know many self-funded retirees in Dobell will be pleased to be exempt from paying tax on the benefits they receive from a taxed fund. Senior Australians in Dobell will also benefit from the one-off seniors payment bonus of $500 if they are eligible for either the utilities allowance or the seniors concessional allowance as at 8 May 2007.

There is also an increase in care provisions for veterans. Veterans and war widows will continue to receive high-quality in-home respite care services through the announcement of $10.4 million for veterans home care service providers. They will also benefit through programs aimed at helping them to better manage their medications, as well as providing them with additional assistance and support upon being discharged from hospital.

This budget also recognises carers. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our carers, and the extension of the carers bonus to recipients of the carer payment and carer allowance, offering them $1,000 and $600 respectively, is great news. Dobell’s 2,980 carers clearly deserve this important extra recognition.

The budget also represents a huge investment in road and water infrastructure, dental health services and education. Wyong council will receive $250 million in funding under the AusLink Strategic Regional Program. Warnervale Link Road, Dickson Road and Brush Road will receive funding under this allocation. The Warnervale Link Road will play a vital role in supporting the new developments at Warnervale and will better connect the Wyong and Warnervale areas, improving travel times between these suburbs. An allocation of $3 million is on top of the $2.5 million that I secured for this road in 2004. This project has received my strong support because it will relieve the traffic burden on local roads, making the area safer for families and the elderly. Wyong Shire Council will also receive $800,000 for the Dickson Road upgrade to realign, widen and provide an initial seal of an 800-metre gravel road section of Dickson Road in Jilliby. This will improve safety along a section where a number of crashes have occurred.

An amount of $675,000 was announced to construct the remaining 900-metre gravel section of Brush Road, linking Ourimbah to Tumbi Umbi. This funding is important because the New South Wales Labor government has been slow to upgrade the Pacific Highway, which has resulted in significant traffic congestion. This announcement will provide a safe and viable alternative route to the Pacific Highway and the Ourimbah interchange for residents and local industry.

Our large commuter population on the Central Coast will also be a big winner, with the announcement of an additional $36 million in 2007-08 to continue widening the F3 freeway to six lanes between Cowan and Mount Colah. This section of the F3 operates at or near capacity for up to five hours each day and is stretched further on weekends and holidays. That is why I am pleased that construction is underway. It is expected that the extra lanes will be in use by mid-2008.

On the health front, I am continually fighting for improved access to health services on the Central Coast. In fact, the bulk-billing rate in my electorate has increased from 71.8 per cent in 2005 to 76.2 per cent in 2006. This demonstrates the continued commitment of the Howard government to increase access to high-quality, affordable health care, which is helping local families and our seniors to save money on their health bills.

The budget will expand dental care for patients with chronic and complex conditions, as people with chronic conditions and complex care needs have very poor oral health, which can adversely affect their medical condition or their general health. This measure will make it easier for these people to access dental services in the private sector when they need treatment or to receive preventive care. This will be particularly helpful to those who would otherwise have to wait for services. The Commonwealth government is providing funding of $376 million over four years.

The increased focus on education in this year’s budget is also good news for my electorate and reflects the commitment of the Australian government to ensure the quality of education and teaching for our children.

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