There was little recognition of regional infrastructure needs according to Suzie Holt, the Independent Candidate for Groom.

While the federal budget handed down on Tuesday night had some positive individual sweeteners for all Australians, there was little recognition of regional infrastructure needs according to Suzie Holt, the Independent Candidate for Groom.

“The support for Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will help with cost-of-living concerns and though the tax cut is small, every dollar back in the taxpayer’s pocket is welcome.”

There was also a win for regional areas facing critical shortages of healthcare workers with a commitment to train 200 rural GPs will be trained every year by 2028.

Ms Holt has long been a vocal advocate for regional medical education, meeting with the Minister for Education’s office to propose solutions to the lack of regional doctors.

However, Ms Holt said that the budget exposed that regional needs remain unmet.

“There’s no dedicated Regional Health and Hospital Fund. No addition to the Precincts and Partnerships Program, and no extension of the Growing Regions Program. No funding for regional roads and housing infrastructure. No expansion of the Solar Panel Rebate Scheme to include batteries.

“The last time there was a dedicated Regional Health & Hospital Fund was during the last minority government when $1.8B was negotiated by regional Independent MPs from which 135 regional health projects benefited.

“The independently held seat of Indi received funding for projects, with almost $400 million going to the Albury Wodonga Military Area Redevelopment”.

“Our neighbouring seat of Maranoa represented by the Leader of the Nationals received some $40m through the Growing Regions Program.

"Groom got nothing.

“Clearly nobody is lobbying the government on behalf of Groom,” said Ms Holt.

“With the election now within sight, I look forward earning the opportunity of working with the Groom community and vigorously pursuing funding for Groom’s needs.

“No government should be able to take Groom for granted”.