Labor, Liberals outline election cases, detail what they will offer to Geelong
A $400m proposal would expand mobile coverage in regional Australia. SEE SUBURBS THAT COULD BENEFIT.
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Labor says it “absolutely” needs to retain marginal seat Corangamite if it is to return to federal government for the first time in nearly a decade.
As the party looks to end nine years in opposition, it is promising to provide free TAFE via a $1.2bn education policy; rejuvenate aged care via a $2.5bn spend; rewire the national electricity grid to respond to climate change, and boost high-tech manufacturing in Australia via a fund of up to $15bn.
Deputy Labor leader and Corio MP Richard Marles said he was optimistic about the electoral prospects of Corangamite MP Libby Coker.
“We absolutely need to win Corangamite to win the federal election,” Mr Marles, who was campaigning in Queensland last week, said.
“I feel optimistic about Libby’s chances but no one would take Corangamite for granted.
“The federal election is going to be a close contest in Corangamite and around the country.”
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said:“Labor’s instincts are always to build world-class, targeted and efficient social welfare and education systems.”
Mr Marles said Labor would set aside $400m to expand multi-carrier mobile coverage in rural and regional Australia, and another $20m would be used to audit mobile coverage and determine future priorities to expand the network.
An Albanese Labor Government will spend $2.4bn to expand fibre to the premises on the National Broadband network to another 1.5 million premises including 88,000 homes and businesses in the Corangamite and Corio electorates.
Labor said businesses and homes in Clifton Springs, Portarlington, St Leonards, Point Lonsdale, Indented Head, Corio and Newtown, Newcomb,Bell Post Hill, St Albans Park and
Whittington would be among those that benefitted.
Mr Marles said: “What we are trying to do is give an alternative to the Australian people which speaks to a vision for the country coming out of the pandemic, and making things here again and rebuilding high-tech manufacturing that’s was the national reconstruction fund is about.”
Ms Coker said: “Labor has championed and supported Australian manufacturing and building self reliance, whereas the Coalition just believes in letting the market rip. Labor has always believed climate change is real, a very serious threat, and we must develop effective policies that address it.”
Asher says record of delivering would continue if elected to federal parliament
DELIVERING a strong economy, relieving cost of living pressures, creating more jobs and “record” spending on health will be among the priorities of a re-elected Morrison government, Geelong Liberals say.
While the Coalition would also work to lower electricity prices, guarantee essential government services and keep Australians safe.
Corangamite Liberal Candidate Stephanie Asher said her local plan, which will be released soon, would focus on investment in physical and mental health, support for retirees and aged care, delivering better mobile and internet connectivity, protecting the environment and managing growth.
“I believe my record of delivering means that I can be trusted to deliver it, should I be elected,” Ms Asher, on a leave of absence from the Geelong mayorship during the federal election campaign, said.
“For many years, I have listened to parents, employees, small business owners, older residents, new arrivals to the area, ‘born and bred’ locals, students, surfers, farmers, tradies, club members, retirees and many more people that make up Corangamite.
“The election in Corangamite is about who can best represent our community and who is positive and trusted to deliver what our region needs.”
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said Corangamite was a “must-win” seat.
“Only the Morrison Government will continue to build a strong economy and a stronger future for all Australians,” Ms Henderson, who is up for re-election at the May 21 poll, said.
“Our plan is to responsibly relieve cost of living pressures, create more jobs, guarantee the essential services and keep Australians safe.
“This includes delivering record low unemployment, lower electricity prices and tax relief for workers and small businesses; investing in roads, rail, water infrastructure and renewable energy technology; and making record investments in health, other essential services and in stronger defence, security and borders.
“Across our region, in Corangamite and Corio, the Morrison Government is delivering like never before – investments such as the Waurn Ponds to South Geelong rail upgrade, the Barwon Heads Rd duplication, dozens of community facilities, critical investments in health services including mental health facilities, the Howitzer defence project, Geelong fast rail and the Geelong City Deal.
“In the face of so many challenges for our nation – bushfire, floods, pandemic, uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific and now war in Ukraine –there has never been a more important time to re-elect the Morrison Liberal Nationals government.
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