Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmer’s has delivered Labor’s fourth Federal Budget which includes a range of cost-of-living relief, funding for healthcare services, and infrastructure projects, for the Central Coast.

Last night, the Treasurer announced that every taxpayer will receive two new tax cuts in 2026 and 2027, adding to the first round that Labor delivered in July last year.

Combined with Labor’s first round of tax cuts, the average tax cut is expected to be around $43 per week or more than $2,200 in 2026-27, and around $50 per week or more than $2,500 in 2027-28. 

Every household and small business in the region will receive more energy bill support with a $150 energy rebate, applied quarterly in $75 instalments.

There will be an historic $8.5 billion investment into Medicare to make more GP visits bulk billed for all Australians, and to train more doctors and nurses.

The Central Coast will receive a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, to complement existing clinics in Umina Beach and Lake Haven.

$10 million will go towards improving maternity services at Central Coast hospitals (Gosford and Wyong), along with workforce support and training.

PBS medicines will be capped at $25, with pensioners and concession cardholders to continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70.

20 per cent will be wiped from student debts with the repayment threshold lifted for graduates, and there will be 100,000 free TAFE places available every year.

Terrigal Drive will receive a $115 million upgrade, and intersections in Empire Bay will benefit from a $15 million upgrade fund.

And the Central Coast Roads Package has received a $6.5 million boost bringing the total fund to $93 million.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:

“Our fourth Federal Budget is continuing to provide cost of living relief to our community on the Central Coast.

“Every taxpayer will receive two new tax cuts, every household and small business will receive a $150 energy rebate, and we’re investing a record $8.5 billion into Medicare so more people in our region can see a GP bulk billed.

“The Central Coast will receive a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, complementing existing clinics.

“We’re investing in congestion-busting infrastructure projects like the $115 million upgrade of Terrigal Drive, $15 million for intersections in Empire Bay and we’ve increased funding to our Central Coast Roads Package.

“Under Labor, inflation is down, incomes are growing, unemployment is very low, interest rates are coming down, but we know Australians are still doing it tough.
 
“This Budget helps people with the cost of living, strengthens Medicare and builds a stronger economy.”, Dr Reid said.

ENDS