Federal Member for Whitlam and Labor's shadow assistant treasurer Stephen Jones wanted to see investment in transport infrastructure, education, skills development, aged care, TAFE, social housing and job creation to address youth unemployment in the federal budget and said he was disappointed.
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"I think it is extraordinary we are increasing debt to close to $1 trillion but unemployment is going to go up by 160,000 people between now and Christmas and stay at the same level for the next two to three years," Mr Jones said.
"And unemployment benefits drop down to $40 a day at Christmas time. And they still haven't got a grasp on aged care and childcare."
Mr Jones did like seeing Medicare-funded mental health visits up from 10 to 20.
He also welcomed the $2 billion fund for road safety nationally being distributed among the states. He has hopes that Picton Rd, Appin Rd and Macquarie Pass would receive a share of that money.
But he is very disappointed there was no additional funding for the Princes Hwy down the South Coast which was so impacted by fires and then COVID-19.
Mr Jones also welcomed the $2 billion fund set up for council owned roads and infrastructure which was something he was calling for.
"We want to ensure those grants are distributed on an equitable basis to councils around the country," he said.
"But I am disappointed they haven't done anything around social housing."
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