Community
15 May, 2024
Tierney: budget makes life easier for families
FAMILIES were the big winners of last week’s Victorian State Budget, with a suite of initiatives announce.
The Victorian State Government announced a one-off School Saving Bonus to help cover the costs of school students across the state.
The $400 bonus will help families cover uniforms, camps, excursions and will go to schools for distribution at the start of the 2025 school year.
The free Glasses for Kids program was also extended providing free vision screening and prescription glasses for students who need it.
Across the state $1.8 billion has been invested in schools – including a $6.6 million commitment to upgrade and modernise the Cobden Technical School.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said each investment is an investment in the people of Western Victoria.
“From critical cost-of-living support to new schools – each of these investments is about making life better for families across Western Victoria,” she said.
“This is a budget that puts families and communities first – it’s about making life that little bit easier, while continuing to invest in health, education, transport and homes.”
Fellow Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora agreed and said the budget was delivering for communities across Western Victoria with additional investments in roads, cost of living support, sporting facilities and community groups.
“This budget will make a real difference to families,” she said.
“Our $400 School Saving Bonus will help cover the costs of kids’ uniforms and activities – giving families one less thing to worry about.”
Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto was scathing of the 2024/25 State Budget.
“After a decade of budget mismanagement and cost blowouts, Labor knows only one solution and that’s higher taxes, higher debt, and cuts to vital services,” he said.
“Our Budget scorecard laid out a blueprint to ease cost-of-living pressures, maintain critical frontline health, education, infrastructure, community safety services and deliver a genuine pathway to reduce Labor’s record debt.
“Labor has failed to deliver on every measure and Victorians are paying the price.”
Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell said Labor has managed “a trifecta of spending more, taxing more, yet producing worse outcomes”.
“After a decade in office Victorians are paying record taxes, while a range of key indicators across health, education, transport, and housing continue to worsen,” he said.
“Victorians need a government that will live within its means, manage the budget properly, and deliver prosperity through increased activity and a thriving economy.”
Do you think the Victorian State Government struck the right balance between providing for residents while not contributing to inflation – or could more have been done?
Send your thoughts to ctctimes@wdnews.com.au or to Cobden Timboon Coast Times, 124 Manifold Street, Camperdown, VIC, 3260.