Mark Coulton’s plan for a better future

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed last week’s 2022-2023 federal budget, which he said will drive the growth of communities across the Parkes electorate.

Mr Coulton said that the budget focusses on providing cost of living relief, creating more jobs, guaranteeing essential services, and keeping Australians safe.

“This Budget marks the next stage in leading Australia’s economy into the future and proves the government is continuing to deliver for the people of the Parkes electorate,” Mr Coulton said.

“Unemployment levels in Parkes remain at record lows as our agriculture, mining and construction sectors go from strength to strength.

“However, risks remain, with the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine putting pressure on the cost of living for Australians.

“We are helping Australians deal with cost-of-living pressures by delivering more jobs, providing a one-off tax offset and a one-off cost-of-living payment for Australians most in need, reducing the pressure of high fuel prices on households, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for childcare, delivering more affordable energy, helping aspiring home buyers, and reducing the cost of medicines.

“We’re also making record investments in health, education and other essential services; building roads, rail, dams and the renewable energy technology that we’ll need for our future; and investing in stronger defence and security,” he said.

Mr Coulton said this year’s budget includes a dedicated regions package, which will strengthen regional Australia to drive the growth of our economy.

“The government believes in regional Australia - our economic base - which is why we are funding the services and creating the opportunities that people in capital cities take for granted,” Mr Coulton said.

“We’re backing small businesses by reducing red tape, providing tax cuts and incentives for small businesses to upskill their employees, as well as a $1 billion package to encourage small businesses to go digital.

“Telecommunications are essential to thriving regional and remote communities, so I’m pleased that this budget includes $1.3 billion for improved connectivity. A new $811.8m Connecting Regional Australia initiative will expand mobile coverage, support technology improvements, improve accessibility, and resilience to natural disasters, while a $480m investment will upgrade the NBN fixed wireless and satellite networks.

“I’m excited to see 80 more Commonwealth supported places in rural medical schools funded, while access to regional MRI machines will be increased through extended Medicare rebates.

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