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THE NATIONALS DIG IN FOR REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest says strong representation of Regional Australia’s ambitions was confirmed in policy at The Nationals 90th Federal Conference in Canberra on the weekend.
“The Nationals represent all Regional Australians and our electorates cover a huge portion of the Australian mainland,” Mr Forrest said.
“That message was loud and clear on the weekend as The Nationals embarked on securing a fairer share of national wealth for Regional Australia, where the wealth is often created in the first place.
“Leader Warren Truss announced on the weekend that if elected the Coalition will establish a new $1 billion Regional Education Fund. This new funding is above and beyond existing money provided for regional education and will be used to bridge the education gap and to address the issues which lead to education under-achievement in the regions.
“Last week, The Nationals announced that if elected, a Liberal-Nationals government will introduce a new $600 million Bridges Renewal Program.
“And there’s more to come, including on water.
“There’s no doubt The Nationals are coming from a position of strength in the current political climate, especially with our common sense and practical policies.
“Our intention is to create more jobs, opportunity and prosperity, to build the infrastructure we need and deserve, provide better health and education, and to enhance our quality of life in regional Australia.
“Because of this, more people are crossing the political divide and voting for The Nationals.”
Mr Forrest said Regional Australia never did well under Labor Governments.
He said no matter where a person lived, they should be able to access the best possible education.
“The Rudd Government’s changes to the Independent Youth Allowance created an enormous backlash from country areas, and genuine hardship for students wanting to support themselves while studying,” Mr Forrest said.
“It was a genuine betrayal of Labor’s election promises to create an education revolution.
“Students from regional areas are less likely to finish Year 12 than their metropolitan counterparts, and are significantly under-represented in tertiary education.
The $1 billion Regional Education Fund will be used to invest in 21st century education and communication tools to improve learning opportunities in the regions, and programs like encouraging quality teachers to move to regional and remote schools.
It will support capital investment in regional universities, as well as initiatives by universities, especially regional universities, to offer innovative educational opportunities for country students and to provide extra material support for students who need to move to obtain their higher education.
“The Coalition believes that school principals should be able to lead, and with their school councils be accountable and manage their funding responsibility,” Mr Forrest said.
“We’ll provide students with the skill sets that employers need and towards this end, the Coalition will appoint a Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education who will live outside the capital cities. We will also establish a dedicated regional education unit in the Department.”
The Coalition also planned to appoint a Minister Responsible for Regional Health with a dedicated regional health unit within the department.
Labor’s Better Regions program will be kept but will be given an injection of funds which Labor promised but has never delivered.
Mr Forrest said The Nationals were alert to the threat of a great big new tax on carbon emissions, already successfully opposed in Parliament, and the new Resources Super Profits Tax that would sap the incentive to invest in mining throughout Regional Australia.
He said working Australians were feeling a steep increase in household costs in the past three years under State and Federal Labor governments.
“Many Australians are feeling dudded and it’s getting worse as the Rudd Government continues to borrow at a staggering $100 million a day, money that has to be paid back by all Australians,” Mr Forrest said.
“The Nationals in Coalition will work to get government spending under control, and make sure tax payer money is spent on worthwhile projects that have a real benefit, that we have a tax system that rewards hard work, a world class education system, a compassionate welfare system that expects personal responsibility, a strong future for our farmers and other primary industries, vibrant small businesses, a sustainable population and better environment and quality telecommunications at a price people can afford.
“The future of Australia is at the crossroads. To vote for Labor is to continue this disastrous management of our economy. To vote for the Coalition is to bring stability, practical decisions and a better future for all Australians,” Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest can be contacted on 0428 500 186.
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