Meryl Swanson (Paterson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As my wonderful colleague the member for Reid, Sally Sitou, said last night about the budget, 'It's like a fourth child.' It was unexpected but a very pleasant surprise. I tell you, last night Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered for our nation. He delivered a tax cut for every single working person in Paterson. He delivered more energy bill relief for every single household and business in Paterson. He delivered more homes, help for people to buy their first one and a $10,000 bonus for the apprentices who are signing on to help build those houses. While we're talking apprentices, we've made free TAFE permanent in Australia. Finally, we've funded public schools properly.

But the biggest ticket on my list last night listening to the Treasurer was health. I know, in my area, which is one of the fastest growing areas in New South Wales, young families and older people care about their health. Last night, we made the biggest investment in Medicare since its creation over four decades ago. As part of that, we are investing in our hospitals and in training more doctors for regional areas like ours. The most exciting thing is that we are bringing an urgent care clinic to Maitland. We've got one in Cessnock. We've got one in Charlestown. Maitland, an urgent care clinic is coming to you. You will get it. It'll be bulk-billed. You won't need an appointment.