Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says this week’s Federal Budget will hurt those living in regional and rural communities, including those living in Forbes Shire.
The Labor Government’s Budget will introduce a new food tax on Australian families. Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, said the new tax on farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of international importers was senseless and would be passed on to consumers, which means even higher grocery prices Australians.
“It is quite rude that the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries, especially considering the power of work they do to keep our economy strong” Mr McCormack said.
The Albanese Government is also increasing the road user charge on truckies by 6 per cent, compounding each year, that will add to grocery bills for families, because transport companies can’t absorb that cost.
“The very popular Stronger Communities Program, which delivered $150,000 to every electorate for smaller-scale infrastructure projects – up to $20,000 – has been scrapped by this Labor Government,” Mr McCormack said.
Labor will also force local communities to wait two years to access regional grant programs, with funding that was available in 2022 under the Coalition now delayed until well into 2024.