Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government handed down its first budget. I'm pleased to say that it was a budget for the people in the Hunter electorate that is in the regions that were neglected for so long under the former government, who didn't care about the regions then and still don't care about them now. This is a budget that invests in the projects that Australians need to build a better future. It is a great budget for families, and it is a great budget for our nation.

I want to thank the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government for recognising the projects that really matter to the people of the Hunter that is in the regions. There is a lot in the budget for the people of the Hunter electorate, such as investments in infrastructure projects and many other projects that will benefit us all in the Hunter. Childcare costs are a huge issue for families. Our cheaper childcare policy will see 6,300 families in the Hunter electorate better off. There's also the extended paid parental leave, giving more time to families at that important time of life when they're welcoming a new baby.

The people of the Hunter electorate can also expect to see cheaper medicines, which will save them up to $450 per year, helping them with the cost of living. I was elected to be a strong voice for the Hunter, and this government has certainly heard me. This budget has delivered over $400 million of our election commitments right across the Hunter electorate, that is, once again, in the regions. The Muswellbrook bypass is a big-ticket item being delivered. The project will construct a New England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook, and the Albanese government has allocated $268 million for this bypass which, once again, is in the regions. The New England Highway is part of the Inland Sydney to Brisbane National Land Transport Network and a primary route for connecting the Upper Hunter with Maitland and Newcastle. Once again, it is in the regions. The highway currently passes right through the centre of Muswellbrook. It carries between 11,000 and 20,000 vehicles through the township each day, with about 13 per cent of them being heavy vehicles. The bypass will improve travel times by providing a free-flowing 100 kilometre per hour alternative route. This project is expected to support more than 1,800 direct jobs and also indirect jobs in the regions. The bypass will bring improved safety for all road users in the town centre, particularly in terms of heavy and light vehicle interactions, and it will improve the livability of the Muswellbrook area.

That's why we are also investing in the Muswellbrook town centre project. I was lucky enough to have the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government visit there last week. The project will help to better link the town's historic buildings and provide open spaces to host community and cultural events. It also includes a playground, pavilion structure, alfresco dining spaces, roads and car parks. We are also upgrading sporting and community facilities, with the Muswellbrook Olympic Park upgrade, the Muswellbrook preschool playgroup, an upgrade for the Singleton Alroy Oval precinct, and the Singleton Bulls rugby club amenities fit-out to finish off the women's change rooms to encourage more women in sport. These are much-needed upgrades to modernise the facilities and increase participation in sport, which is something that I'm very passionate about.

The minister also visited Cessnock where we showed her the Cessnock Regional Skate Park, the BMX facility at Carmichael Park and the Cessnock Goannas lighting upgrade. Lake Macquarie City Council will also receive funding for Mandalong Road upgrades—$56 million to be exact. There is money for a dredge for Lake Macquarie and a grouting fund. There is funding for Mums Cottage upgrades; for Urban River projects; for the Lake Macquarie North West Catalyst Area; and for the Edgeworth Eagles fencing and lighting.

Once again, I would like to thank the minister for coming down and seeing the benefit in helping out the regions of the Hunter Valley, as we've helped out many regions around Australia. Those opposite will continue to say that we don't help the regions, but only a Labor government cares for regions that have been left behind for the last decade by a disgraceful and unwanted government. Now we have got a government in that cares about people and cares about our regions.

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