Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the interests of other members, I am truncating my speech so that everybody has a chance to speak and, as such, I have limited time. The point I would like to make is that this budget has delivered for the people of Shortland, who have a median income of $1,046 per week. I understand why people like the member for North Sydney stand up and argue against some of the things in this budget, when in his electorate there is a median income of $2,412 per week. I understand that he represents the big end of town, but I have to say that for the people I represent in this parliament this budget recognises the importance of controlling inflation and delivering to them.

If you look at all the indicators that came out in the census, you can see why this budget will be good for the people of Shortland. It is an electorate where over 56 per cent of people completed only year 10 or less as far as education is concerned. It is really important that we create educational opportunities for the children of those people. In addition to that, the majority of students in Shortland electorate attend public schools and have been disadvantaged. This budget recognises that children should have the choice of attending public or private schools and, as such, should have equal opportunities.

In this budget, the government has delivered $750,000 to upgrade Fernleigh Track. Fernleigh Track was initially to be funded under the Regional Partnerships program but will now be funded under the Better Regions program. It is a fine example of the types of programs that should be funded. Fernleigh Track recently won a highly commended award at the Parks and Leisure Australia awards in the category of management of open space development. It is something that has community support and is the type of project that should be funded.

Money went through the Black Spot Program. I have that detailed here but I have already spoken too long. There is money from the Roads to Recovery program to Lake Macquarie City Council and Wyong Shire Council. Rather than pork-barrelling and putting resources into marginal communities, this governmebnt recognises that, no matter where a person lives, no matter what region they are in, they should get their share of resources.

There has been $10 million given to the upgrade of EnergyAustralia Stadium. The PET scan at the Calvary Mater hospital has been funded. They are both things that the Howard government refused to do. The Newcastle university has had $13.7 million directed towards it. The superclinic in the northern part of the Wyong shire will benefit the people of Shortland electorate. This budget delivers to the people of Shortland and to the people of Australia. It is a budget for all Australians and not just for the big end of town.

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