Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Cost-of-living pressures are impacting many households in my electorate of Longman due to the invasion of Ukraine and ongoing global supply-chain issues from COVID. I was pleased to see practical initiatives in the budget that will ease this pressure on individuals, families and businesses. For the next six months, fuel will be cheaper at the bowser thanks to a 50 per cent reduction in the fuel excise. There will be further tax relief for around 69,000 taxpayers in my electorate, and many working couples will be $3,000 a year better off. The latest budget brings record investment in Medicare, hospitals, schools, aged care and mental health. Around 14,700 businesses in Longman will be able to write off the full value of any eligible assets they purchase, while, for every hundred dollars they spend on training or digital technology, they will get a $120 tax deduction.

When it comes to building new infrastructure in our region, the government is investing almost $30 million for a business case to upgrade the Bruce Highway between Anzac Avenue and Bribie Island Road. This is on top of the $700 million already committed to upgrading roads and local infrastructure in Longman. Importantly, we continue to build our defence capability while improving the lives of Defence Force members and veterans and their families. Let's continue to put Australians first and set a path towards a stronger economy and a stronger future.