‘We are all on the same page’: Chief Minister Michael Gunner responds to Federal Budget

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner doesn’t have many criticisms to offer about Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s Budget handed down on Tuesday, insisting both leaders are on the ‘same page’ when it comes to creating jobs.

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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner doesn’t have many criticisms to offer about Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s Budget handed down tonight, insisting both leaders are on the “same page” when it comes to creating jobs.

Mr Gunner said he was told by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack tonight that the NT would be eligible for $96m in road safety upgrades outlined in the budget, in addition to the $190m in NT highway upgrades that have already been announced.

“I’ve been telling the feds that the Territory wants jobs, and this delivers jobs,” he said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner was mostly positive in his response to tonight’s federal budget. Picture: Che Chorley

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“We are all on the same page. We agree we can’t repair our budgets until we beat the virus and grow the economy.

“It’s got to be all about jobs right now.”

However, Solomon MP Luke Gosling argued the budget didn’t go far enough to create jobs and also “deliberately excluded” unemployed people over 35 from hiring subsidies.

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“A missed opportunity is no new grant funding for social housing, which is very much needed in the NT and would be great for jobs and the economy,” Mr Gosling said.

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