“With this Budget the Rudd Labor Government has reversed the neglect of the Howard years and is investing in Melbourne’s west at unprecedented levels,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This is a nation-building Budget focussed on employment, education, roads, rail, and universities across Australia, including right here in Gorton.”

“This Budget is the third stage of our economic stimulus plan, which we know is working to help cushion the residents of Gorton from the worst global recession in living memory.”

The Rudd Government’s Budget includes:

§  An historic $22 billion investment in the nation’s infrastructure.

§  An extension of the First Home Owner’s Boost for an extra six months with a phase out period starting on October 1 this year

§  Another major boost to our highly successful Tax Break for small businesses in Gorton, increasing it from 30 per cent to 50 per cent for eligible assets

§  An extra $32.49 per week to full rate single pensioners and $10.14 per week combined to couple pensioners

§  More assistance for carers including a guaranteed annual $600 carers supplement

§  Introduction of an 18 week Paid Parental Leave scheme starting from 1 January 2011

Although the global recession wiped more than $200 billion off Government revenue, our net debt levels are also low by international standards and the Government has a clear strategy expected to see the Budget return to a surplus in 2015-16.

"This Budget deliver on Labor’s commitment to increase the pension, as well as providing funding for vital local infrastructure projects and institutions," Mr O’Connor said.  

“As part of the Nation Building Program, The Kings Road/Calder Highway interchange will be funded $30 million and is set to be completed in 2013.”

"The construction of the interchange, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, was a commitment that we made at the last election and it will be honoured," Mr O’Connor said.

“Another key project in the Nation Building Program is the Western Ring Road upgrade, continued funding will see this completed in 2012.”

“Nine primary schools in the electorate of Gorton will receive $25 million in total for major new infrastructure projects under Round One of the Primary Schools for the 21^st Century (P21) program. This is in addition to the up to $200,000 that every school in Gorton was eligible to receive under the National School Pride Program. The Rudd Government’s massive investment in new school infrastructure will benefit our community by supporting jobs and businesses in our local area.”

“The Government is providing $3 million to bring forward construction of the new Brimbank Gardens Community Hub in Derrimut. Through the Rudd Government’s economic stimulus package, we are able to invest in major projects like this to support local jobs and economies during the global recession.“

"The City of Brimbank will receive more than $750,000 and the Shire of Melton will more than 600,000 under the Roads to Recovery program, which allocates funding for local road maintenance and upgrading.”

“The much-needed Regional Rail Express will receive more than $3.2 billion over six years to separate the V/Line and metro rail service from West Werribee to Sunshine, via Deer Park, with work starting next year.”

"Through the Black Spot Program, which targets dangerous sections of local roads, Main Rd West in St Albans will receive $420,000 for improvements.”

“The $800 million Community Infrastructure Program is the largest ever one-off Federal investment in local infrastructure across Australia, with Brimbank Council receiving more than $1.6 million and Melton Council receiving close to $1.5 million.”

“We are investing in infrastructure and services that will deliver long-lasting benefits for a growing population in Melbourne’s west.”