House debates

Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Statements by Members

Budget

1:46 pm

Photo of Jerome LaxaleJerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Bennelong wants their government to be responsible, they want a government that listens and they want a government that cares, and last night's budget showed that Bennelong helped elect a Labor government that delivers on all three. Late last year, locals asked me for more cost-of-living support, which is something I raised both publicly and privately. In response, the government will deliver a tax cut for every single taxpayer in Bennelong. On average, local taxpayers will get a tax cut of $1,782, with 81 per cent of locals better off than they would have been under the Liberal's plan.

Secondly, Bennelong told me that last year's energy rebates were great but a little too targeted. Again, I raised this both publicly and privately. In response, starting July this year every household in Bennelong will receive $300 off its power bill. Tax cuts and energy rebates will help with family budgets and deliver much-needed relief to every household.

Thirdly, Bennelong told me that they needed the infrastructure to match our region's housing growth. There is an incredible investment in infrastructure in Bennelong from this Labor government. Building on $190 million already delivered, last night's budget delivered a further $150 million in infrastructure for Bennelong, including $115 million for Sydney's first electric-bus depot and $35 million for roads and a bus interchange. This is a responsible budget for all Australians, but, significantly, it's a budget that delivers for everybody in Bennelong.