ROSS KAY [HOST]: But first Labor's Senator Anthony Chisholm. Senator, welcome.

ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: Good to be with you, Ross.

KAY: What's your takeaway from this year's Budget?

CHISHOLM: I think it's a very responsible Budget. We obviously know that many Queenslanders are feeling the pressure with cost of living. We've done our best to provide some responsible cost of living relief. At the centerpiece of that is obviously the revamped tax cuts which will benefit so many Queenslanders. But we've also provided some cost of living relief around electricity bills as well. So, we think we've got that balance right between doing what we can to provide some relief but also ensuring we don't add to that inflation challenge that we've got at the same time.

KAY: And also announced speaking around cost of living is the $300 electricity rebate as well.

CHISHOLM: That's correct. And we know that people are doing it tough and that energy bills have been very challenging for people. So, it's really pleasing that we're able to provide that support in a responsible way.

KAY: So, the stage three tax cuts are based on income, yet the $300 electricity rebate is not. How do you justify not means testing it?

CHISHOLM: Because we know that energy bills are a challenge for many people. So, we think that we can do this in a responsible way. Obviously, delivering a second Budget surplus in a row for the first time in almost 20 years is a significant part of that. But as I said, we've been doing it all along and that challenge that we've had with inflation has been there. We want to do this in a responsible way, and we believe we have.

KAY: So, you said electricity is a challenge for many people. That's true, but it's not everyone. Does every Aussie need this rebate?

CHISHOLM: We think it's a responsible measure and it really does show that the government is doing what we can. We understand that people are feeling that pressure of cost of living. We think this is a responsible way that the Federal Government can help people by dealing with that challenge. And I'm sure it'll be well received by those in the community.

KAY: Is this Budget a tough sell, given so many items were announced prior to last night, like the domestic and family violence funding?

CHISHOLM: Obviously, that has been a really challenging start to the year on that front. Government needs to show that we're providing that additional support to deal with this. It's such an important issue for so many people in the community. So, I don't think people would want us to delay when we do have those sorts of announcements to make. But I saw that there was plenty in the Budget last night around health, around the Future Made in Australia, which I think is really exciting for regional Queensland communities. And I think what we're starting to see is that vision for the future that the Albanese government wants to represent. When you link up what we're doing in higher education and TAFE, and also the Future Made in Australia, I think you can really start to see those job opportunities of the move to net zero, the way that's going to transform regional economies and the opportunities that are going to come with it. We want to make sure that everyone can capitalise on that.

KAY: Thinking about the future and an issue that's very local to the Wide Bay Burnett, Paradise Dam. The funding to restore and repair has been deferred. Why?

CHISHOLM: We understand that we're working constructively with the State Government on that. They are the lead agency in regard to that. We're supportive of the rebuild and that work will continue between us and the State Government.

KAY: What about money for the Bruce Highway?

CHISHOLM: Yes, there's additional money from the Federal Government for the Bruce Highway. The significant part for the region in the Wide Bay Area has obviously been around the additional money that we've provided to the Cooroy to Curra section, which is obviously a very important part that so many locals know how dangerous that has been and that work will continue with the - that was almost 130 million in additional funding for that section. We're committed to doing, I think across the state there was almost half a billion dollars additional funding to the Bruce, and we know how important it is. It is the heartbeat of regional Queensland, and we'll continue to do what we can to work constructively with the state government to provide that support to make it safer and also more convenient for people to travel on.

KAY: Any word on when the bypass of Gympie will be complete?

CHISHOLM: I don't have that information in front of me, unfortunately, Ross, but I'm happy to try and come back to you on that.

KAY: The Budget fine print. Are there any other items buried that's relevant for the locals of the electorates of Flynn, Hinkler or Wide Bay?

CHISHOLM: There's also announced was a Regional Airports Program that will provide an additional $40 million in funding. So, I'm sure that'll be something that many local communities will look at. Obviously, airports are important assets in places like Bundaberg and Hervey Bay and surrounding communities. And I know that that is something that those will look at. And we obviously want to work constructively with local communities. Soon we'll have the first round of the Regional Growth Fund announcements. So, that'll be something that I think locals, councils and supporting community groups will be looking for to provide some of that additional community infrastructure funding as well.

KAY: Senator Anthony Chisholm, appreciate your time. Thank you.

ENDS