The Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has welcomed the Federal Budget, delivered by the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers MP, on Tuesday evening as a big win for Macarthur.

Most notably, the Albanese Government has delivered on their election commitment for the Macarthur region, with the Budget allocating funding to establish a much-needed Child Development Unit (CDU) as well as funding to support Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation.

Dr Freelander has long fought for a CDU for our region. As a paediatrician, father, and local member, he knows all too well the imperative need to have accessible, effective healthcare services close to home.

By delivering on a CDU for Macarthur, Dr Freelander and the Albanese Government have shown their commitment to providing our region with prompt, attentive action.

‘This is such an important project’ Dr Freelander states ‘By having a Child Development Unit established here in Macarthur, local families no longer need to travel long, expensive distances for developmental assessments; instead, they can access these critical assessments for their children much closer to home.’

Further, Dr Freelander and the Albanese Government also announced $520,000 for Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation in Airds. The funding will greatly assist Tharawal in upgrading infrastructure and medical equipment.

‘I have worked with Tharawal for quite some time now. They provide invaluable local, healthcare services for Indigenous men, women, and children. It is imperative that Indigenous healthcare services receives the support they require to provide critical, important care for our First Nations peoples.’

These announcements are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthen our healthcare sector and ensure all Australians can access healthcare. This includes the announcement by Treasurer Chalmers that the Budget includes funding to establish 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to reduce pressure on our hospitals.

Further initiatives to assist Australians with the cost of living include slashing the PBS maximum general co-payment from $42.50 down to $30 per script to provide cheaper medicines, extending paid parental leave to six months by 2026 and rolling out our Cheaper Child Care policy which will benefit over 9,200 families in Macarthur.