Local highlights in national budget

Vital infrastructure projects and new and continuing community support programs were highlights for locals in the 2013-14 Budget, according to Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill.

Ms O'Neill welcomed the new investment and thanked the Coast community for their involvement.

"New funding in the Budget will make a real difference for people on the Coast.

"Whether it means more support for people with a disability through DisabilityCare Australia, or less time stuck in traffic with funding for the F3-M2.

"I am proud to share these announcements with the Coasties who have signed my petitions and called for these commitments, but there is still more work to do," Ms O'Neill said.

Ms O'Neill highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Budget promoted job creation and economic growth for Australia's future prosperity.

"This Government has made targeted and responsible decisions, in line with our Labor values, to ensure that we are a stronger, smarter and fairer Australia.

"We will always act responsibly to prioritise jobs to ensure that the economy works for more people.

"With DisabilityCare Australia set in stone in this budget, Coasties can now be assured that they will benefit from one of the biggest social reforms in Australian history.

"This government is proud to be bringing this issue to the forefront of policy discussions and community attention.

"In the seat of Robertson, approximately 2,497 locals may be eligible for support under DisabilityCare when the scheme rolls out across the country.

"To better nurture our young creative talent, this Budget will allocate $23,500 to each electorate to encourage, support and celebrate the participation of young people in creative, cultural, academic and community events or training.

"Gosford Council will be eligible to apply for one of 14 competitive grants of up to $375,000 to deliver innovative online local government services using the NBN.

"Our local Broadband for Seniors kiosk will be eligible to receive extra funding for a new computer and touchscreen monitor, ensuring seniors can benefit from a wider range of interactive computer applications and programs.

"Each kiosk will also be eligible to receive a grant to deliver training and information sessions on the importance of cyber safety and personal security," said Ms O'Neill.

Kiosks on the Penninsula are located at The Cove Village, Mingaletta, Woy Woy Community Aged Care, Peninsula Community Centre, and Living Choice - Deepwater Court.

"For pensioners wanting to downsize their homes, the sting of losing chunks of their pension because of the sale is often discouraging.

"Under a trial outlined in the Budget, eligible pensioners who want to downsize, can put at least 80 per cent of excess sale proceeds (up to a max of $200 thousand) into a special account that is exempt from the pensioner means test so that it won't affect their pension.

"In the electorate of Robertson, this could benefit around 15,830 pensioners who are home-owners.

"The Federal Government is investing $5.5 million in Childcare Flexibility Trials to test innovative approaches to provide families with access to more flexible care options.

"Gosford and Peninsula Family Daycare have received extra support to extend hours to better cater to the needs of our local police officers.

"To better support families receiving the partnered Parenting Payment, Newstart Allowance and Widow, Sickness or Partner Allowance, the Federal Government is increasing the amount recipients can earn before their payments are affected.

"This means people can take home $494 extra per year and for the first time the income free area will also be indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 1 July 2015.

"In the electorate of Robertson this will immediately benefit 1,038 people on income support currently earning over $62 a fortnight, and potentially benefit 3,994 more people should they move into work.

"Labor established disability employment services in mid-2010 - getting rid of the cruel cap and quota based system that was put in place by the Howard government.

"Now, everyone who needs help to find a job gets that help.

"In the electorate of Robertson, this investment has seen 2,083 people placed in work since the program began.

"This Federal Budget provides $84.5 million over four years for the provision of around 1,650 additional Commonwealth supported sub-bachelor and postgraduate places to universities.

"In the electorate of Robertson, Labor's uncapping of places has seen a 15.2% increase in students commencing University.

"This is vital in ensuring that locals are able to access affordable university education, and are able to get the skilled jobs of the future," said Ms O'Neill.

Media Release, 14 May 2013

Richard Mehrtens, Office of Deborah O'Neill MP