FEDERAL Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters lauded her party\u2019s second Federal budget and said it will ease the pressure on families struggling with the cost of living, especially in the medical sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Federal budget delivers relief to local families and people doing it tough through the targeted cost of living relief,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know households are feeling the pressure. I\u2019m proud to be part of a government that is rebuilding Medicare and primary healthcare.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis budget is tackling the cost-of-living crisis and providing sensible measures for people in our community during difficult times.\u201d<\/p>\n
An estimated more than 76,000 Bendigo people will benefit from announced bulk billing incentives for doctors and 41,837 will benefit from prescription changes to common medicines which will see two months\u2019 worth of pills available for the price of one.<\/p>\n
Yet, Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie, said the \u201clacklustre\u201d budget had done nothing for regional areas including Bendigo and would see minor projects forgotten.<\/p>\n
\u201cLabor has pushed back critical funding needed for Bendigo while only targeting projects worth more than $1 million,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means smaller projects like sports ovals, playgrounds and libraries will be ineligible for funding in our regions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McKenzie also failed to endorse the drop in pill prices.<\/p>\n
\u201cAllowing 60-day dispensing instead of 30 also risks unintended consequences,\u201d she said. \u201cIt could lead to rural medicine supply shortages and Bendigo pharmacists shutting down.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FEDERAL Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters lauded her party\u2019s second Federal budget and said it will ease the pressure on families struggling with the cost of living, especially in the medical sector. \u201cThis Federal budget delivers relief to local families and people doing it tough through the targeted cost of living relief,\u201d she said. \u201cWe […]<\/p>\n