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

I'm excited today to talk about what this budget means for the electorate of Dunkley. Firstly, we have budgeted $225 million to see the electrification and duplication of the Frankston rail line to Baxter become a reality. This is a project I've advocated since 2016. It means job creation and connectivity to jobs, education and community. I said in my maiden speech that we shouldn't be disadvantaged by where we live, and with this commitment we are delivering. It means the potential for stations servicing Frankston Hospital, Monash uni, Karingal, Langwarrin and Baxter. It means 'park and ride' closer to people's homes. It means the opportunity for Baxter stabling instead of Seaford stabling, to stop 200 jobs being taken if the state government chooses to go with our project. It means freeing up parking around Frankston, Kananook and Seaford stations as well as Frankston Hospital and the uni. We already have on the table $3 million of federal funding for the business plan that the state government recently commenced. We are calling for the state to now co-contribute $225 million in matching funds. They have put in zero dollars so far. We're also calling for them to complete the business plan by November and work together on topping up funding, depending on the overall cost.

I'd also like to talk about what this budget means for many families, particularly those who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, paying for things for their kids and so forth. Most workers in Dunkley will each receive tax relief of $530 per year, which means an extra $1,060 for a working couple. We'll be eliminating bracket creep so that most workers will now be on the top bracket of 32½ per cent. This means school books, fuel, food and more for families. It also means reduced childcare costs for 6,500 local families, with a subsidy of up to 85 per cent, depending on income, and an elimination of caps.

For the 27,800 people who are aged over 65 and their families who live in Dunkley, we have policies to help retirees and those in aged care. We have 14,000 more home-care packages so that people can stay at home longer. There are 27,819 people aged over 65 who will benefit. We won't be taking the retirees' franking credits and savings, as Labor intends to do. The pension work bonus will be increased so that age pensioners can earn an extra $50 per fortnight up to $300 per fortnight. And the pension loan scheme will be expanded to give Australians on age pensions the option to boost their income by up to $17,700 for a couple. We're also recognising our growing community by extending the Stronger Communities Program and recognising volunteers and small businesses with our tax cuts.

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