STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
Budget
Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (13:45):
I’m extremely grateful that game 1 of State of Origin is being played tonight, because, for many in my league-loving electorate of Hinkler, the brief distraction from Labor’s budget of broken promises will be welcome.
Phone calls and emails have been coming in thick and fast to my electorate offices in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg every single day since 12 May, when Labor delivered this bad news budget.
Following dozens of face-to-face catch-ups across Hinkler last week at my mobile offices, I can categorically confirm to the House that the people of Hinkler don’t want carve-outs to Labor’s toxic taxes. They want them axed.
That includes those aged 65 or older with private health cover.
This Labor government is stripping back their private health insurance rebate. For Hinkler, 26,300 seniors are now facing a real and difficult choice: to cut spending on essentials, downgrade their cover or drop it altogether.
Then there’s the cruel cap on Hinkler veterans’ allied health services.
The uncertainty alone is putting immense stress on those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms.
Bundaberg veterans are so incensed they are planning a protest this Friday, and who could blame them? Veterans should not be asked to bear the cost of Labor’s budget repair.
Let’s hope a Queensland win over the Blues tonight can bring some joy, because Labor’s budget has left regions like Hinkler in a state of despair.
They’ve been left wanting and searching for a fair go.