Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the pre-Christmas Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) report, confirmed the strength of the Australian economy and welcomed news that the Budget would return to surplus.
Wicks said the return to surplus was part of the Liberal National Government’s plan to keep the economy strong. “We will deliver a $4.1b surplus in 2019-20, up from a $5.2b deficit in 2018,” Wicks said. “Because we will see a surplus budget in April, 2019, we can invest in services like a half-billion dollar aged care funding boost, including the release of 10,000 high level home care packages.
“Our government will ease the cost of living for local seniors receiving home care, by reducing the daily maximum fees payable by up to $400 a year. “This is wonderful news for our Central Coast seniors who want the option to live independently by receiving aged care services in their own homes for as long as possible.
“I have listened to our seniors across the Coast and talked to the Minister for Aged Care about the on-going need for more high-level aged care packages in our region, so I am delighted to see this announcement of 10,000 extra home care packages. “Our Government is determined to continue improving aged care at every opportunity, to ensure that senior Australians receive the care they want and deserve, where and when they need it. “A stronger economy is the key to delivering better essential services.” She said next year’s Budget will be the first surplus budget since the last year of the Howard Government.
Source: Media release, Dec 17 Charlotte Bowcock, office of Lucy Wicks