Surf’s Up Julia – What about the rest of Australia?
12th August, 2010
Almost one month into the Federal election campaign and Labor leader Julia Gillard has barely moved off the coast, begging the question – what about the rest of Australia?|Federal Nationals Leader Warren Truss said there are seven million people who live outside Australia’s major metropolitan areas – yet 25 days into the campaign she’s made next to no effort to include them in her campaign diary.
“Julia Gillard’s lack of interest in inland Australia is ‘typical’ of city-centric Labor and a sign of what the people of regional Australia can expect if Labor wins government on August 21.
“Despite her claims that she governs for ‘all Australians’ it’s obvious she has no idea and no interest in truly representing people who live in regional Australia,” Mr Truss said.
“She was missing in action when Labor made its loose promise on the inland rail – but when it comes to a cobbled-together reckless commitment to commuter rail in western Sydney – she is all too available to share the limelight, even if it is with one of Labor’s ‘toxic’ state Premiers.
“Her announcement on water buyback lacks even a basic understanding of the Murray Darling Basin system or any regard for the communities and people it supports.
“Issues in regional Australia can’t be managed with lip-service and loose promises delivered from a capital city,” he said.
While Labor’s Leader continues to ignore regional Australia, The Nationals are working hard to return country people a fair share of the wealth they generate back into their communities.
“Our $6 billion broadband plan will give priority to regional Australia, and more young people wanting tertiary education will be able to access financial support under our Independent Youth Allowance policy.
“We have committed $751.5 million to restore certainty to communities in the Murray Darling Basin and restore the river system to health, with a focus on social and economic impacts.
“The people of inland Australia understand the importance of managing their finances responsibly. They can’t afford to waste money, over borrow and go into crippling debt, and they expect the same of their government.
“On the streets in towns like Dubbo, Longreach, Emerald and Mildura they are talking about school hall rip-offs and pink batts failures, and they’re angry about it,” he said.
“On 21 August, I urge the people of country Australia to help bring back responsible government by backing The Nationals, the only team that will deliver a fair share for regional Australia,” he said.
