News
Regional SA hit hard by State Budget |
Monday, 20 September 2010
Regional South Australians have been treated with contempt following the delivery of Treasurer Kevin Foley’s 2010-11 State Budget.
Steven Griffiths, Member for Goyder, is outraged that people living in regional communities across the State are suffering as a result of eight years of financial mismanagement under the Rann Labor Government.
“Within Goyder funding to private hospitals has been cut. It is disgraceful that the State Government has seemingly abandoned the Ardrossan and Moonta hospitals – the health and aged care services they provide are vital to the community”, Mr Griffiths said.
“$11 million of cuts have been made to the Small School Grants Program. It is concerning that the lack of support from the State Government may result in the closure of many small schools throughout the State.
“The removal of the Petroleum Subsidy Scheme will see petrol prices in country regions increase by 3.3 cents per litre, impacting on the family household budget, small business, services and tourism, said Mr Griffiths.
“Also affecting rural drivers is the increase in registration and license fees from next year. At the same time our roads continue to deteriorate; the Rann Labor Government now has a road maintenance backlog of $200 million.
“Increased fees and charges will be imposed on the fishing, farming, mining and wine sectors – these are the key industries that support our State’s economy, stated Mr Griffiths.
“The Department of Primary Industries & Resources which supports the farming and aquaculture sectors in Goyder has been slashed by $80 million and will lose 180 jobs.
“The state’s tourism industry, much of it based in regional SA, has had it government support slashed by $12.5 million.
“This Budget and the way in which the Rann Labor Government has stripped country communities of services has infuriated the hard working people living in regional South Australia, Mr Griffiths said.
The State Government’s mismanagement now sees South Australia as the highest taxed state in the nation, with higher debt, higher taxes and less services.