State Budget 'huge disappointment', says Tesch
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has described the State Budget a "huge disappointment" after it contained no new funding for local schools, roads, hospitals or health in this year's State Budget.
"We need a budget that invests in West St in Umina not George St in Sydney," she said.
"I will continue to fight for investment in our community.
"It's definitely time for Gladys to finally give us our fair share in roads funding."
Ms Tesch said Ms Berejiklian had re-announced promises she had already made in the last few budgets like the Manns Rd upgrade.
"Gladys Berejiklian revealed that there was not a single cent to fix our ailing schools, crumbling roads or over-stretched local health system" said Ms Tesch.
"Nurses at Gosford Hospital are struggling to keep up with the increase in demand with fewer staff.
"Our nurses are over-stretched and our patients are suffering because of it.
"Gladys didn't offer anything more to staff our hospitals properly.
"Our local schools need serious fixes and upgrades.
"So many teachers and parents come to me and tell me that our schools are in dire need of repair and resourcing.
"Gladys offers nothing for those parents and teachers.
"When it comes to roads, this Budget promises $6.6 million in planning money for a road upgrade they've been promising for years.
"This is like rewrapping a gift card you got for Christmas and giving it to you again for your birthday."
Ms Tesch said Ms Berejiklian had left first-responders like paramedics short-changed and completely undervalued.
"Dominic Perrottet announced that they would offer a 2.5 per cent pay rise.
"This represents a 0.3 per cent pay rise after inflation which is currently projected to be 2.2 per cent annually.
"NSW paramedics are the lowest paid in Australia."
Ms Tesch said: "Gladys Berejiklian is always quick to stand up at a press conference and say our first responders should be saluted for their brave response to the pandemic but when she gets a chance to pay them properly she is nowhere to be seen.
"It is time Gladys Berejiklian put her money where her mouth is and pay our brave first responders for the sacrifice and service they have shown our community."
SOURCE:
Media release, 22 Jun 2021
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford