Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

While this budget is not full of handouts or bells and whistles—and that's exactly the way it should be—it really does deliver in my part of regional Australia. The small business $20,000 instant asset write-off has been extended. Late last year, Jenny Jensen, who owns AgBoss in Albury told me how she saved about $4,000 or $5,000 after writing off the purchase of a new air compressor valued at $14,000. There's also an extra $224 million over five years in new funding for agriculture. The personal tax relief announced by the Treasurer also recognises that people are working hard and want to see the benefits of an improved economy. Our local councils will be happy with more funding for the Building Better Regions Fund, Stronger Communities Program and local community sporting facilities. There's the Stronger Rural Health Strategy, which will deliver more doctors, more nurses and more allied health professionals over the next 10 years. There are an additional 500 Commonwealth-supported bachelor places for medical students studying in regional areas. I also know there's real optimism about the benefits of the new Murray-Darling medical school network, bringing an improved number to general practice doctors wanting to start their career in the country. For families with school leavers, there's more for country kids on Youth Allowance and extra Commonwealth-supported places to study at regional institutions. The budget continues the coalition's commitment for a stronger regional Australia. (Time expired)