Posted on: 16 May 2024
South Australians will be bitterly disappointed by this year’s Federal Budget, as it delivers very little for the state despite there being a $9.3 billion surplus.
SA received next to nothing when it comes to infrastructure funding, and concerningly there’s no mention of the North-South Corridor project which has already suffered massive delays and an eye-watering $5 billion cost blowout under Labor.
While the Opposition welcomes news of funding for the interchange upgrades at Mount Barker and Verdun – this was only after they were cruelly cut by Labor late last year, and still leaves other vital infrastructure projects that were also axed, such as the Truro Freight Route, on the road to nowhere.
Cost of living remains front of mind for South Australians, with the typical family more than $20,000 worse off a year under Labor.
The Federal Budget also predicts South Australia’s brain drain will substantially increase, with the state set to lose more than 15,000 people interstate over the next four years – at a time when we’re crying out for more doctors, nurses, and police officers.
Labor’s Budget also leaves huge question marks over the future of the First Nations cultural centre, Tarrkarri, and Adelaide’s proton therapy unit at the Australian Bragg Centre.
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs, said it’s clear Peter Malinauskas isn’t up to the task of securing investment in South Australia and the state is being left behind.
“This Federal Budget is one of the worst for South Australia we’ve ever seen and shows Peter Malinauskas doesn’t fight hard enough for our state’s interests,” Mr Speirs said.
“It’s a huge concern there’s no mention of the North-South Corridor project – the biggest road infrastructure project in our state’s history – which has already suffered embarrassing delays and enormous cost blowouts under Labor.
“While we’re pleased Labor’s heard our calls when it comes to putting some money back on the table for crucial infrastructure projects, these are initiatives they savagely axed last year as part of the 90-day review and it simply doesn’t go far enough.”
Shadow Treasurer, Matt Cowdrey, said South Australia has been treated as an afterthought.
“South Australia is clearly not front of mind for Peter Malinauskas’ Labor mates in Canberra, as our state was barely mentioned in the Budget papers, where Queensland features more than 60 times,” Mr Cowdrey said.
“The former Liberal Government worked hard to reverse South Australia’s brain drain, but Labor’s veered us off course with this Budget predicting we’re set to lose more than 15,000 people interstate over the next four years.
“While Peter Malinauskas’ relentless focus on sport and events makes South Australia a good place to visit, we need to also be viewed as a great place to live and work and that means creating an attractive business environment and supporting new industries.”
Shadow Minister for Finance and Tax Reform, Heidi Girolamo, said while we support any assistance for families struggling with the cost of living, the energy rebate is just a drop in the ocean.
“Due to Labor’s homegrown inflation, cost of living pressures are skyrocketing and hurting South Australians, with the typical family more than $20,000 worse off a year since Peter Malinauskas was elected,” Ms Girolamo said.
“This budget offers up nothing when it comes to housing affordability, and I’m concerned there’s absolutely nothing in this Budget to ensure interest rates decrease.
“This Budget is a missed opportunity for South Australia, who deserves proper investment in the future of our state.”