Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2015-2016. All budgets are important, and as a member of this House I have had the fortune, indeed the privilege, to see 10 budgets. Each budget though feels more important than the previous one. For everyday Australians, at that point in time when the budget is handed down they are focusing on what it means for them and for their futures. I am particularly proud of this budget as it follows on from a particularly difficult one last year, which took much conviction to deliver. While difficult, it changed the trajectory of the nation's debt; while still tough, it now puts us on a much straighter path.

In spite of what was left by the previous government in the form of debt and deficit, this coalition government is delivering on its commitments to ensure our nation remains, in the long term, sustainable and able to provide for its people and that of the future generations, which I note was also mentioned by the previous member, the member for Indi. The cost of unemployment cannot be measured fully to the unemployed, their families, to the economy and to society as a whole. Having a job is the best ammunition against the battle of welfare dependency and poverty. I have said on many previous occasions in this place that where there are jobs there are indeed opportunities.

Those opposite have used many choice words about the 2015-16 budget but this budget is one that recognises that everyone deserves an opportunity in life. I am sure that this is what the people in the electorate of Macquarie want—they want opportunities, they want confidence, they want to know that not only do those who are currently employed and in the workforce have opportunities but also that the generations to follow them do.

This government understands the importance of small business—the engine room of our economy. This government understands the personal risk that many small businesses take in an endeavour to build and to grow jobs not just for themselves but also for their communities. If a business grows then we see job growth. In Macquarie there are more than 11,000 small businesses—more than 5,300 in the Blue Mountains and more than 6,400 in the Hawkesbury area—each employing staff and contributing to the local economy. That is why we have delivered a budget that will help small business grow and not stifle them with uncertainty, as was the case under the previous government.

This budget will ensure small business see the lowest company tax rates since 1967. We will give a tax discount for unincorporated businesses. This government will provide a five per cent tax discount to unincorporated businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million from 1 July this year—this will deliver a tax cut of $1.8 billion over the next four years. The discount will be capped at $1,000 per individual in an income year delivered as a tax credit in their tax return. We will give an immediate tax deduction for any individual asset a small business buys that is worth up to $20,000. And in ensuring that we do not stifle small business, we will continue to cut red tape. A tax deduction on assets up to $20,000 will help businesses expand—for example, in a hairdressing salon that has people eagerly waiting for their turn this one simple measure of accelerating depreciation means the business could purchase additional hair-washing basins, therefore saving time and creating more productivity for their business.

This government understands infrastructure and the importance it plays not only in the life of business but in the day-to-day living of all of us and our families. It is a travesty that people have had to sit in traffic jams and chaos, day in and day out, for so many years under those on the opposite side. Almost daily, I receive complaints regarding the congestion experienced, particularly in the Hawkesbury. That is why this government will contribute towards the important infrastructure required for the electorate and it will work with state governments that are interested in providing better outcomes for all residents. Important infrastructure for Macquarie will include a recommitment to the Ross Street intersection at Glenbrook and the Richmond Bridge improvements to approaches and surrounds. This will not completely resolve the challenge of traffic flow on the bridge, particularly in the mornings and evenings, the peak hours, but it will go some of the way towards improving it. Other measures include the Great Western Highway safety works at Mount Victoria and the black spot projects for Peninsula Road, the Great Western Highway at Valley Heights in the Blue Mountains and, of course, the Hawkesbury Valley Way at Hobart Street to Racecourse Road in Richmond. These projects will deliver a modern local transport network and will unlock the economic capacity of Macquarie. The budget will also see funding for the Roads to Recovery program double for urgent local road repairs, delivering $2.1 billion over the five years to 2018-19 directly to local councils, including the double payment in the coming financial year. Projects funded under the Roads to Recovery program are nominated by local councils according to local priorities. This is good news for local councils and residents alike.

The first responsibility of government is keeping people safe. The government is continuing to make a significant investment in the safety and security of Macquarie. Macquarie has two defence facilities: RAAF Base Glenbrook in the lower Blue Mountains and RAAF Base Richmond in the Hawkesbury. Together, these bases see 2,399 defence personnel, including civilians, and their families in our community. This year, the government has already invested $201.1 million in defence in Macquarie, with over $1.1 million to be invested in the coming year. This government will provide Defence with $31.9 billion in the 2015-16 financial year—an increase of $9.9 billion over the forward estimates. When this is compared to the 2014-15 budget, it represents a record expenditure on defence and is a stark comparison to the former Labor government, which took $16 billion from defence, reducing spending as a percentage of GDP to the lowest level since 1938. Investing in defence locally will have direct and indirect economic benefits for Macquarie.

The Macquarie community support for our defence families and local defence investment is one part of a whole range of measures helping to bolster our defence capabilities, supporting Australian defence industries and ensuring Australia remains safe and secure into the future. I take this opportunity to thank all the defence personnel and their families for the commitment and dedication they demonstrate as they serve our nation.

Feeling safe and secure is fundamental to our lives. However, feeling safe not only includes our defence capabilities and border protection; feeling safe is also paramount for our families and communities to build a future in which to live out our daily lives. Knowing our children are safe is a major contributing factor to our ability to work, as well as flexible arrangements that cater for our new emerging society. Recently, I welcomed the Minister for Social Services, Scott Morrison, to my electorate to meet with families and to speak firsthand about the Jobs for Families package. The $4.4 billion Jobs for Families package will give parents more choice and opportunity to work. The 2015 budget delivers on the government's commitment to support families by making child care simpler, more affordable, more flexible and more accessible.

Families with shift workers such as police, firefighters, ambulance officers and nurses often experience great challenges in accessing mainstream childcare services. They are often unable to access government-supported child care due to the unpredictable nature of their hours and work. This is why we have committed to spend $250 million on an interim home-based carer pilot program known as a nanny's trial. This trial will provide more choice and flexible childcare options, funding 4,000 nannies and providing subsidised care to approximately 10,000 children. Eligible nannies must, of course, be attached to an approved service, be at least 18 years of age and have a current working with children check and meet first aid requirements. Families that are eligible will receive a subsidy at a percentage of an hourly fee cap rate of $7 per child based on family income, similar to the childcare subsidy parameters.

The world is changing. Our nation is changing. There is a greater need and expectancy for accessibility to goods and services. It is therefore recognisable that we need child care that caters for these changes. Whilst my children are now in their early adult years, I too worked whilst raising a family and understand the need for a safe, caring and flexible system.

It was wonderful for the minister and I to be welcomed so warmly at Jasmine Preschool in Freemans Reach by owner Andrew Junor, the families and the children, who indeed have a lot of fun. Also visiting the electorate the week before last was the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Mitch Fifield, who joined me, the New South Wales state minister for disability services, John Ajaka, and my colleague the federal member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott, for the signing of an agreement to begin the early rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in the Nepean, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Lithgow areas of Greater Western Sydney. This represents a $20 million commitment by this government, enabling the NDIS to be rolled out for up to 2,000 children between nought to 17 years of age in the electorate of Macquarie—one full year ahead of schedule.

There are 2,000 children living with disability in Greater Western Sydney and this early rollout enabled by the budget will see families in the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains receive more support to help meet the needs of their children and support them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Minister Fifield then joined me in a roundtable session with local organisations and stakeholders for a discussion regarding NDIS, which enabled many questions regarding this important matter to be answered. While there has been much progress, we all understand that there will be challenges and processes to work out, to iron out any wrinkles, if I may use that terminology, as we roll out this wonderful program.

I, as does the government, recognise and appreciate all families and loved ones that care and dedicate their lives to support those living with disability. Australia has almost 2.7 million carers that care for people with disability—those with medical conditions, mental illness or someone who is aged. They are the unsung heroes that often silently and diligently go about their responsibilities with passion and often without thanks. I would like to thank them here tonight. The government recognises the contribution they make and wants to make their lives easier.

Carers currently access services through gateways such My Aged Care or the NDIS, focusing on the person that is cared for. Under the Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services, IPCSS, and the National Carer Gateway, which is due to commence on 1 December this year, carers will have easier and simplified access to information for their social and economic participation. The National Carer Gateway is budgeted to cost $10.9 million in 2015-16 and a total of $33.7 million by 2018-19.

Also two weeks I attended the launch arranged by WSROC of the Light Years Ahead project with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science, Karen Andrews. This government has committed $5 million towards this innovative project which will see the replacement of approximately 13,000 old street lights, with LED lights across nine councils. This will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 24,000 tonnes and $21 million in energy savings for nine councils over 20 years—the life of the lights. I am delighted this project includes the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains city councils.

Opposition is a sad place to be in—I have been there myself—and it is worse when you have no meaningful and alternative solutions, like those opposite. The 2015 budget is the next step in our responsible long-term plan to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous future for all Australians. What people want is confidence and certainty. It is my hope, then, that those opposite who helped contribute to the mess they themselves created will now assist by enabling these benefits outlined in the 2015 budget to be passed.

See this speech in context