May has been a busy month, with the delivery of the 2021-22 Federal Budget to secure Australia's recovery.
I visited many local businesses - including Burleigh Heads-based manufacturers Aleeda Wetsuits and Diego's Authentic Foods - to discuss the incentives aimed at encouraging investment and job creation.
Just down the road at Bowden Welding Service I met Rick - who explained how the 50% wage subsidy announced in last year's budget encouraged him to put on three new apprentices, including an adult apprentice. We are extending this commitment to support more than 170,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships.
Peta and Brennan from Burleigh Brewing Company welcomed $255 million in tax relief for brewers and distillers - which is designed to support jobs in the growing sector.
Along with job creation, a key focus of this budget is health care - including comprehensive aged care reforms through record funding of $17.7 billion.
$2.3 billion will go towards delivering improved and expanded mental health services across Australia. The team at headspace in Upper Coomera highlighted where the sector needed support when I joined them for a discussion with Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Plus, we are keeping Australians safe by providing $51.8 million to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to fight transnational, serious, and organized crime.
We are also doing what we can to prepare for the opening of international borders. At the Gold Coast Airport I launched the rebooted Airport Watch program - which encourages the community to be involved in reporting suspicious activity in the aviation sector.
Finally, I would like to thank those of you who stopped for a chat at my recent listening post at The Pines Shopping Centre in Elanora. Your feedback on the Budget, as well as local issues, allows me to make informed decisions when I represent you in Canberra.
Take care,
