The Federal budget delivered on Tuesday night had many measures for the Riverina and Central West in health, defence, infrastructure, social services and easing cost-of-living pressures, according to Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.
Cost Of Fuel: Events abroad are pushing up cost-of-living pressures, and the government is cutting fuel excise in half. Australians will save 22 cents a litre for the next six months. This could mean a saving of $30 a week for a family with two cars, or $700 over the next six months.
Extending Tax Relief: Around 61,700 taxpayers in Riverina will benefit from tax relief of up to $1,500 this year, made up of the $1,080 low and middle income tax offset and a $420 cost of living tax offset.
Cost Of Living: Government is also providing a one-off cost of living payment of $250 for Australians most in need. In Riverina, these payments will be delivered to: 20,326 pensioners; 6,607 disability support recipients; 2,258 carers; 8,233 jobseekers; and 14,180 eligible self-funded retirees.
Health: Charles Sturt University will receive $14.8 million through its Rural Clinical School to establish training sites and accommodation at Cootamundra and Parkes.