Morwell MP Russell Northe has criticised the state government’s budget, citing a lack of forward planning and a “comprehensive jobs plan” to address the Latrobe Valley’s high unemployment rate.
Speaking to The Express yesterday Mr Northe described the budget as a “mixed bag” and said cuts to payroll tax were too late for businesses who were already struggling with the rising costs of utility bills.
“It’s pleasing to see some relief for those businesses,” Mr Northe said.
“However, these same businesses have had to incur a massive rise in costs in recent years, including higher electricity bills as a direct result of the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.”
Mr Northe highlighted how the Latrobe Valley had missed out on specific major announcements – compared to its regional counterparts – and said the Victorian budget was lacking three key priorities.
In comparison, the state government this month announced Ballarat Base Hospital would get a $461 million major redevelopment, and Wonthaggi Hospital to undergo a $115 million expansion.
The Shepparton rail line was also allocated $300 million towards line upgrades which will enable faster connections and more journeys each day.
Mr Northe said the region was in desperate need of a comprehensive jobs plan and he was disappointed the budget lacked new programs or initiatives designed to improve the current job market.
The second priority was a lack of clarity and “specific commitment” from the government in relation to the upgrades on the Gippsland rail line.
Mr Northe said Gippsland commuters were yet to be guaranteed faster and more punctual travel despite multi-million dollar upgrades.
“Whilst there’s been funding announcements that supposedly improve Gippsland rail services, the government simply won’t quantify how they will reduce travel times, improve punctuality and reduce overcrowding on carriages yet they’re prepared to spend $50 million on a study for Geelong for fast rail,” Mr Northe said.
The third area pertained to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Gippsland which he said needed to be built locally and a facility in or near the Valley was “absolutely critical”.
State member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath also raised questions over the budget and described cuts to regional payroll tax as a “furphy”.
“It only kicks in for businesses with an annual employee wage bill of over the $650,000 threshold,” Mr Bath said.
“Most of our fabulous country-owned businesses, family businesses are run by mum and dad and in no way would they meet that threshold but are still suffering spiraling utility bills such as energy prices.”
