The 2024 Federal Budget strikes just the right balance between keeping pressure off inflation and delivering cost of living relief, according to Bendigo’s Federal Member, Lisa Chesters.
Chesters says this year’s budget will deliver a tax cut for every taxpayer and new help with energy bills, rent and the cost of medicines. It also promises to build more homes for Australians, reform universities, strengthen Medicare and the care economy, and broaden opportunities in our society.
The Federal Government continues to reassure Aussies that tackling the rising cost of living is a top priority.
Chesters says lifting the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by a further 10% will benefit over 6,000 Bendigo residents.
Following a rise in gendered violence and nationwide rallies, this year’s budget has over $925 million (over five years) towards the Leaving Violence Program.
Chesters says this funding is vital as well as further support for women’s health.
In a move, celebrated by students and anyone with a HECs/HELP debt, the Federal Government has scrapped $3 million in student loans by changing how the debt is indexed.
Chesters says over 16,954 people in Bendigo will benefit from this change.
This is in addition to the recent announcement that teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work students will now be paid during placements.
To strengthen Medicare, the budget will lock down the price of PBS medications as part of the cost of living pressure relief.
Chesters says this means more people in the region will be able to access the medicine they need.
This Budget delivers Labor’s second surplus – Chesters tells us why this is a good thing for Bendigo.
