Regional Ministerial Budget Statement

Small criticised the budget for increasing national debt to approximately $1.2 trillion and failing to address the housing crisis in regional Western Australia. Small argued that the government was prioritising metropolitan projects like the Suburban Rail Loop while neglecting regional infrastructure such as the Busselton Margaret River Airport and Margaret River Hospital. Small contended that tax changes targeting capital gains and negative gearing would harm farmers and small business owners, and claimed that high migration levels were exacerbating housing shortages.

Landry argued that the budget failed to deliver meaningful investment for Central Queensland, describing it as an investment drought for the region. Landry highlighted the lack of funding for critical projects such as Rockhampton Airport and upgrades to the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay. Landry stated that local councils were struggling due to cut or delayed funding programs, and expressed concern that tax changes were negatively impacting constituents' share portfolios and cost of living.

Conaghan criticised the Regional Investment Framework for focusing on ideological priorities rather than tangible infrastructure needs in growing regional areas like the Mid North Coast. Conaghan highlighted severe housing affordability issues and the urgent need for road maintenance and telecommunications upgrades in electorates such as Cowper. Conaghan argued that local mayors were disappointed by the limited funding available, noting that basic services like water, sewerage, and roads were being neglected despite rapid population growth.

Webster described the budget as divisive, arguing that it pitted generations against each other through tax changes affecting capital gains and negative gearing. Webster claimed that the government was pushing renewable energy projects onto farming land without adequate transparency or community consultation. Webster highlighted the lack of funding for regional health equity measures, mobile black spot programs, and regional tech hubs, asserting that the budget increased debt and neglected the specific needs of rural communities.

Penfold expressed disappointment that the budget provided no new hope for flood-affected communities in the Mid North Coast and Hunter region. Penfold criticised the removal of funding for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the reduction in financial assistance grants to local governments. Penfold highlighted specific infrastructure deficits, including unfinished sections of the Pacific Highway and poor road conditions on local routes, arguing that these issues impacted safety and economic productivity.

Littleproud argued that the government was stripping infrastructure funding from regional Australia to finance metropolitan projects like the Suburban Rail Loop. Littleproud highlighted the cancellation of water infrastructure funding, specifically affecting communities like Stanthorpe, and criticised the government's migration policies for failing to direct skilled workers to regional areas. Littleproud also raised concerns about the removal of funding for regional tech hubs and the ongoing lack of mobile connectivity in remote areas, which he linked to safety risks.