Politics & Council
14 May, 2026
Regional towns ignored: Webster
“Labor continues to pour money into funding metro-focussed models of health like UCCs, and additional money to the states to fund hospitals, but repeatedly fails to invest into new regional initiatives,” Dr Webster said.
MALLEE MP Anne Webster says last night’s Federal Budget has missed the mark for residents in her electorate, leaving them with “higher taxes, more debt, more division”.
As Shadow Minister for Regional Health and Communications, Dr Webster lamented the lack of Commonwealth investment in improving regional health outcomes, while regional connectivity programs like the Mobile Blackspot program fade out with no new investment.
“Labor continues to pour money into funding metro-focussed models of health like UCCs, and additional money to the states to fund hospitals, but repeatedly fails to invest into new regional initiatives,” she said.
In another blow to households, the Budget confirms home grown inflation compounded by international factors will hit five per cent, well above the RBA’s target band of two to three per cent, which means interest rates will continue to be higher for longer.
“Mallee families are also feeling the pain of wages not keeping up with Labor’s inflation, with the Budget revealing the buying power of Australians’ wages has declined by three per cent under this government,” Dr Webster said.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor will deliver the Budget in Reply on Thursday night, one Dr Webster said will “outline the Coalition’s plan for a better Australia”.
“Australians cannot afford more broken promises, more taxes, more debt and more division,” she said.
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