By Lily D’ambrosio, Mill Park Mp
On 3 May, the Andrews Labor Government delivered its 2022/23 Budget. This is a budget focused on improving the lives of every Victorian, it is a budget of Labor values and priorities.
For all Victorians, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering better health services, improvements to schools, more accessible household renewable energy, and initiatives to ease the cost of living. We have also committed to funding improvements to our local parks for everyone to enjoy.
The pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on our health system. The 2022/23 Budget will invest over $12 billion to deliver more staff, better hospitals, and first-class care. We will train 7,000 extra healthcare workers to ease the pressures on our current healthcare workforce and deliver faster and better care when you need it. Locally, our Northern Hospital will get more staff and additional bed capacity to alleviate the current demand.
Nationally, demand for emergency services is at an all-time high, that’s why we’re delivering another 90 paramedics to meet the current demand. Additionally, we are investing $333 million for 400 new staff to increase Triple Zero call-taking and dispatch capacity, including new ambulances, and training for operators.
In our 2022/23 Budget, we are also making sure that all students in Mill Park electorate receive the same opportunities and support. Both campuses of the Merriang Special Developmental School in South Morang and Lalor will receive $5.32 million to deliver the final stage of the school’s master plan, providing better facilities for all the students.
As an important focal point for our community, I am proud to share that the Government will invest $400,000 to improve access to the public areas of Farm Vigano. We will be working with Heritage Victoria to deliver new accessible walking paths, viewing platforms, and access to the wetlands and ensure that Farm Vigano becomes a well-utilised place for the local community and residents of the City of Whittlesea and visitors.
We know that many Victorians are struggling with cost-of-living stress, and as the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, I was proud to announce that every Victorian will be eligible to receive a one-off payment of $250 through the Power Saving Bonus. From 1 July this year, households across my electorate can apply for this payment through the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website
The Andrews Labor Government is making switching to solar more affordable than ever with $42.2 million invested to boost the popular Solar Homes Program. The program includes 64,000 new rebates for solar panels at the current value of $1,400. There are also 1,700 new solar battery rebates worth $5 million.
With the Andrews Labor Government’s latest budget, we’re getting on with delivering for all Victorians on the things that matter to them.
Please remember that I’m always here to assist you with any State Government issues. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact my electorate office by calling tel: 9422 5171 or emailing me at lily.d’ambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au
