As I sat in the House of Reps listening to Bill Shorten’s Budget reply, I was staggered by the depth of denial.
Labor still refuses to face facts. The tired rhetoric on more handouts, more duplication, more waste, is dangerous stuff for Australia.
We are paying a billion dollars EVERY MONTH in interest on our debt. How could we use an extra billion dollars in Hume? Fix some roads, build teaching hospitals, open a university campus, all of the above.
The Federal Government’s first Budget is tough, yes. But it’s what we need to get our economy back on track – and the Government is calling for a contribution from all of us.
I accept that some may be concerned about aspects of the Budget and I am strongly encouraging people to pick up the phone, send me an email, or drop into my electorate offices, so that I can help ease any concerns – and clarify what’s happening and when. Many changes that were mentioned on Budget night won’t take effect for years.
More than ever, Australia needs strong leadership and strong economic management. We need to end the days of borrow and spend.
This Budget also signals big new investment in infrastructure. There are positive opportunities for our communities from investments in medical research, higher education and in setting up more competitive industries. I will be taking the time in coming months to outline these opportunities clearly, so that there is a broad understanding of the path we are on to a more sure and prosperous future.
Angus Taylor
Member for Hume