Introduction
The 2005-06 Budget delivers on what the Australian Government took to the people at the 2004 election — to build stronger communities and provide a secure Australia.
Providing families with the security they need to plan their futures with confidence is this Government’s commitment to all Australians. To do this, the Australian Government is investing in those things today that are necessary to guarantee Australia’s future growth and prosperity in the years ahead. It is investing in the physical and social infrastructure necessary to ensure we meet the needs of tomorrow.
Significant long-term investments in Australia’s transport infrastructure, our defence capabilities, and our young people will help us meet the challenges we will inevitably face over the coming decades.
The 2005-06 Budget continues our investment in building stronger Australian communities through good economic management. Through this Budget, the Australian Government will continue to provide practical outcomes to people in rural, regional and remote Australia in areas such as health, education, training, security, transport, trade and natural resource management.
It is only through continuing effective management of our economy that we will be able to provide these necessary resources. And the people of regional and rural Australian communities play an important role in achieving this outcome.
Strong and stable economic growth, low inflation, productivity gains, and a decline in unemployment have contributed to a significant increase in the living standards of Australians, and helped create the longest run of uninterrupted economic growth in Australia’s post-war history. While these strong economic conditions have opened up greater opportunities for regional Australia, we need to do more.
The events of recent years have culminated in a feeling of uncertainly for many people. The Australian Government acknowledges this uncertainty, and the problems associated with living in an unpredictable world. As a Government we will continue to combat the threat of international terrorism, and commit the funds necessary to maintain a secure environment for all Australians for this generation and for generations to come. The investment is a significant one, but it is one that we cannot afford to neglect.
Domestically, many rural and regional Australians continue to battle the effects of the prolonged and severe drought, however, the Australian Government has been able to offer specific assistance to those in need.
Maintaining Australia’s economic prosperity is crucial to our nation’s continued economic growth. This has meant making some tough decisions, but also some bold choices. These bold choices are focused on continuing economic growth into tomorrow’s world.
Some of the major initiatives included in this Budget are:
- AusLink — a $12.5 billion investment in our transport infrastructure by the Australian Government.
- The Australian Water Fund — $2 billion investment in better managing our most precious resource.
- Regional Partnerships — $41 million to fund local community project commitments
- The Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund — helping small rural councils recruit or retain more general practitioners.
- Australian Technical Colleges — helping more young people get into trades which will bring major benefits to people living in rural and regional Australia.
The Australian Government will continue its commitment to work in partnership with rural and regional communities in providing funds for on-the-ground projects.
The Australian Government’s regional funding programmes not only help communities turn their dreams into reality, they are fostering the development of self-reliance and empowering the people who live in these areas to take control of their own futures.
Regional Partnerships is helping rural and regional people help themselves. These partnerships are helping to build stronger rural and regional communities.
Regional Australia is not only the source of our national identity, but it is a significant contributor to Australia’s export income. Australia’s future success is heavily reliant upon our regions continuing to deliver goods and services to the domestic and international market place.
The Australian Government’s management of our $800 billion economy, its strategic investments and making the tough decisions, has enabled more funding to be allocated to those things which really matter for the one-third of Australians living outside major cities, such as safer roads, upgrading our rail network, a better environment, improved health services and addressing skills shortages in rural and regional areas.
The 2005-06 Budget has the Australian Government continuing its investment in Australia’s regions and as such providing for future growth and prosperity.