Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson says the NSW Budget fails to address the growing cost-of-living crisis impacting families, offers no support for struggling Clarence prawn fishers, and delivers little for the broader regional economy.
Mr Williamson acknowledged the Budget confirmed funding for the continued redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and an upgrade to Casino High School under the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program – two important projects he has strongly advocated for.
"These are important wins for our communities, and I'm proud of the work I've done to help keep them on track, but they don't make up for the complete lack of broader support in this Budget for everyday regional families," Mr Williamson said.
He also expressed disappointment that no funding was allocated for urgently needed upgrades at Maclean District Hospital.
"I'm particularly disappointed that the Budget failed to deliver funding to upgrade the lift at Maclean Hospital – a small but critical piece of infrastructure that patients and staff rely on daily," Mr Williamson said.
He said the Budget offered little in the way of meaningful cost-of-living relief for regional households already feeling the pinch.
"There is very little in this Budget to ease the pressure on regional families at a time when people are really doing it tough," Mr Williamson said.
"The axing of vital cost-of-living support programs – such as the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card, the travel pass for university students and apprentices, and the Active and Creative Kids vouchers – had left many families worse off.
"These were practical, effective programs that directly helped seniors, students, apprentices, mums and dads," he said. "They eased pressure on household budgets, and their removal is yet another blow to families across regional NSW.
"The cost of living is biting hard, and Labor's Budget offers nothing in the way of relief. It's a Sydney-centric budget, not a NSW budget."
Mr Williamson also condemned the lack of financial support for Clarence River commercial fishers, who remain severely impacted by the ongoing White Spot biosecurity control order.
"This is the third year of restrictions on our local prawn fishers. Boats are sitting idle, families are hurting, and this government continues to deliver talk instead of tangible support," he said.
He also highlighted the growing frustration among farmers and primary producers still waiting for disaster funding months after widespread flooding.
"Our farmers have faced droughts, fires, floods, and storms – yet even now, the Mid-North Coast and Hunter regions flattened by recent floods are still waiting for the release of Category C and D disaster funding," Mr Williamson said.
"This support would unlock $75,000 grants for eligible primary producers – vital funding to help them recover and rebuild. The Premier must stop dragging his feet and act."
Mr Williamson reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Government accountable and fighting for fairer outcomes for the Clarence and Richmond valleys and all of regional NSW.
"I won't stop fighting for a fair go for our regional communities – they deserve more than what this Budget delivers."
