WAGGA’S key contenders for the federal election were bitterly divided over Tuesday night’s budget, set to double as the beginning of the election campaign.
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Incumbent Riverina MP Michael McCormack said Treasurer Scott Morrison’s first attempt at balancing the books was more of an “economic plan for the future” than usual, but Labor candidate Tim Kurylowicz argued Wagga residents were left out of the frame.
Mr McCormack said Wagga would benefit from new dams in the Riverina, inland rail, new roads and confirmation of local defence spending, reportedly worth up to $1 billion over 20 years.
“I am pleased Scott Morrison announced a $2 billion water infrastructure loan facility, which will create new investment in dams,” he said.
“Riverina will, given its irrigation focus, be in line for that money.
“There’s money for Kapooka and RAAF Wagga, an important part of the city's economic future, offering new jobs prospects for the next 10 years and beyond.
“There will also be an extra $610 million, which will help to improve local roads and bridges.”
Asked whether he was disappointed there was no money set aside for the Murray-Darling Medical School, Mr McCormack said he would “still be working hard to secure that project”.
Labor candidate Tim Kurylowicz said the budget was a re-election pitch aimed at marginal seats, which left Riverina residents worse off.
“There are tax cuts for people earning over $80,000, which are targeted at Sydney workers,” Mr Kurylowicz said.
“Four out of five workers in country Australia earn much less and it’s clear Scott Morrison has a very different definition of middle-class to the reality of life in Riverina.
“It was an outrageously big spending budget worth $450 billion, which equates to a $33 billion increase or 7.8 per cent increase within a year.
“That makes this a big spending and high taxing government despite all the rhetoric.”