Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment in small business, infrastructure and employment in Queensland.
Mr Bennett said record investment in health and education would also go a long way in providing world-class health care and schools for local families.
He said the small business package would see benefits flow on to the local community.
“Small businesses are the engine room of the Queensland economy and I know there are hundreds of small business owners in Bundaberg and Burnett that will be better off under this budget,” Mr Bennett said.
“Local job seekers, particularly young people, are also going to benefit from the $5.5 billion jobs and small business package.
“These measures will help encourage investment, innovation and the start-up of new businesses, which will help Australia’s economic future.”
Mr Bennett also welcomed the Growing Jobs and Small Business package, which he said would help employers to take on inexperienced and mature workers.
“New measures will focus on making job seekers more employable, reducing the costs of taking on new staff, and bringing job seekers and job providers together.”
Mr Bennett also welcomed the additional investment to the Reef Trust of $100 million over four years.
He said the Reef Trust invests in important projects with a focus on improving water quality, coastal habitats and the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.
“The Reef Trust builds on existing investment in the Great Barrier Reef focusing on known critical areas —improving water quality and coastal habitat, controlling the current outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish, and protecting threatened and migratory species, particularly dugong and turtles,” he said.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said it was now up to the Palaszczuk-Gordon Labor Government to outline what it plans to do to deliver on its promises to reduce debt, deliver a fiscal surplus and create jobs.
“Labor has no more excuses for shelving projects and stalling decisions,” he said.
“The residents of Bundaberg and Burnett are crying out for the Palaszczuk-Gordon Government to stop dithering and start doing.
“It’s no secret that the inexperienced Labor Government doesn’t have a plan and is making it up as it goes.
“The Premier and her Treasurer must now outline how they will improve the lives of people living in South-East Queensland and take our great state forward.”