Peta Murphy (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday, the Albanese Labor government and Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down a budget that is good for families, good for businesses across my community and good for people who are struggling to make ends meet. It's a really strong budget for the country and also for Dunkley. In addition to our existing initiatives on cheaper child care, where 5,800 local families will benefit come 1 July, and cheaper medicines and fee-free TAFE, we have announced a new energy price relief plan. It will provide relief for more than five million households across the country. It will provide local residents and businesses with a rebate of up to $250 per household, and $325 for small businesses. It is really going to help families in my community get ahead.

The centrepiece of the budget, that is so exciting, is the investment in Medicare—our historic investment to strengthen Medicare. Tripling the bulk-billing incentive, no less, is immediately going to benefit about 70,000 people in my community alone. Around 40,000 Dunkley locals will be able to save money on prescriptions by accessing two months worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription. Aged-care wages are going to go up. About 6,850 people will see more money in their rent assistance, and 6½ thousand people will see an increase in their social security payments. If you want people to be looked after, vote for a Labor government. (Time expired)

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