By The Hon Tony Abbot, Prime Minister of Australia
GEELONG is a great part of Australia to work and live.
Sure, Geelong has some challenges ahead but the Coalition Government has a positive plan to build on Geelong’s many competitive strengths to make it an even better place to work and raise a family. Our plan will build better infrastructure, deliver programs to help local businesses grow and generate jobs and improve community services including the NDIS.
I was pleased to be in Geelong 100 days after we were elected to announce funding to upgrade Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, alongside local MP Sarah Henderson.
In the May budget the Government announced funding to deliver on our commitments to duplicate the Princes Hwy between Winchelsea and Colac and to build the East West Link.
Building better roads will generate jobs and benefit local businesses during construction – it will also deliver long-term benefits so people spend less time in traffic jams and more time with their families, so businesses can get their goods and services to market faster and our export and tourism industries can be more competitive.
Geelong has some of Australia’s best manufacturers and a highly-skilled workforce. We are committed to supporting workers affected by the closure of Ford and Alcoa to help them move to even better jobs and assist affected businesses to diversify and grow.
Since we were elected senior Government ministers have been in Geelong regularly working with Ms Henderson and Mayor Darryn Lyons to develop and deliver programs required to meet these challenges.
We’re helping businesses grow with our $155 million growth fund to create the manufacturing jobs of the future, targeting areas impacted by manufacturing industry changes.
A new $480 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme will equip small to medium enterprises with the management and business skills to expand and a $470 million Industry Skills Fund investment will deliver the skills being sought by employers.
Removal of the carbon tax will also be a key step to reducing costs and cutting red tape for business.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to introduce Trade Support Loans for apprentices to encourage more young people to take trades and complete their qualifications. The new loans, repayable once earning a sustainable income, provide up to $20,000 over the life of an apprenticeship to help ease the financial burden on young apprentices and to increase apprenticeship completion rates.
We want the Geelong community to have good infrastructure, great businesses and more jobs and, just as importantly, we want people to have access to the best community services. Our first budget delivers increased funding for Victorian schools and hospital services every year.
Geelong will be the national leader for the NDIS, the trial of which is now well underway and we are preparing for the full roll out. The NDIS headquarters will bring new jobs and expertise to Geelong.
Geelong is always on the ball – and our Government has the positive plan to ensure that the Geelong banner continues to fly high.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
Prime Minister of Australia
