Broad-based budget to better Bendigo, Chesters says

FEDERAL Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters has been quick to highlight aspects of the recent Federal Budget that she claims will lead to a better economy for people in Bendigo and central Victoria.

She said the 2026-27 edition is all about getting workers, families and businesses, including those in the Bendigo electorate, through the global oil shock and building an economy that rewards as many people as possible.

“We are delivering more tax relief for local workers, helping more people realise the dream of home ownership and creating a fairer and more sustainable tax system for all Australians,” Chesters said.

With 3.4 million people in Victoria poised to benefit from the new Working Australians Tax Offset, Chesters believes the new tax cuts mean an average worker could be up by almost $3,000 by 2028.

With the temporary $20,000 instant asset write-off (introduced in May 2015 for small businesses with turnover under $2 million) also to become permanent from next year, she said this will mean more certainty, more cashflow and less compliance costs for 1.2 million businesses in Victoria.

The budget also revealed more funding for infrastructure grants programs such as Stronger communities, Active transport, Growing regions and a Local infrastructure fund that will support construction of new homes.

It also includes a $25 billion investment in public hospitals, which will flow through to hospitals including Bendigo Health.

“Our budget is all about building a stronger, more resilient economy that works for more people,” Chesters said.