Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last night was my first budget as a federal member of parliament, and it showed just how we, the Turnbull coalition government, are making the right choices for a responsible government. This budget will improve the lives of my constituents in Dunkley, increasing the standard-of-living amenities available and delivering on the commitments that we made to the Dunkley community when I was elected.

Every school in Dunkley, all 51 of them, will have its funding either secured or increased under the fairer needs-based funding model. I am proud to be part of properly implementing Gonski funding, supporting many Dunkley schools, such as Kingsley Park Primary School, neglected by the Victorian budget last week.

Medicare is guaranteed. The NDIS, much anticipated on the peninsula, will be fully funded. I have seen the anguish of so many families when I have met with them about their fears that there will be no-one to look after their children when they pass away. I can now reassure Henry, Marie, Norman, Joy and so many others that the Turnbull government has heard their concerns and acted upon them.

The federal budget will return to balance by 2021 by ensuring that we as a government and as a country live within our means. We have an obligation to the Australian public to govern responsibly, and we will do exactly that. The tax cuts for small business will have a huge impact on Dunkley, where over 16,000 small businesses will benefit, in addition to benefiting from our extension of the small business asset write-off for 12 months. Additional money has also been allotted to give funding certainty to homelessness services—$375 million is the latest contribution to looking after Australia's and Dunkley's most vulnerable people. The Roads to Recovery program carries over funding for many of my election commitments, and I am pleased that this will be continued. Pensioner concession cards will be issued to 92,000 Australians, including many in my electorate.

This budget ensures that we as a nation are in a good place going forward. We are fortunate to be in a comparatively positive financial position, and this budget is about making sure that we make the right choices, live within our means, operate on a basis of fairness, ensure our security and have plenty of opportunities in our days ahead. I look forward to serving, with this coalition government, my constituents in Dunkley as we implement this budget.

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