Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made his way to Penrith in a bid to sell his Budget to the western Sydney workforce.
Accompanied by Minister for Defence Marise Payne, the pair toured the INNOV8 Equipment facility on Mulgoa Road in Jamisontown to spruik their Government’s tax savings.
“Our Budget is focused and determined to deliver stronger economic growth because we know that enables us to pay for all the essential services and infrastructure that Australians need,” Mr Turnbull said.
“A big part of this is making sure that people have the incentives to invest.”
The Prime Minister praised the work of INNOV8 Equipment for the innovation and adaptability that has allowed for the local business to flourish.
“Everything they’re doing is innovative,” he said.
“You’ve got to be faster, smarter, more innovative to remain ahead and succeed.”
The biggest selling point from the Prime Minister was the newly announced tax reforms, seen as part of a Turnbull government plan to win back votes as they prepare for an election.
“Our personal income tax reforms in the Budget are going to deliver a tax saving next financial year from July 1 to more than half a million people in western Sydney, and over half of them will get the $530 tax refund,” Mr Turnbull said.
“That is putting real money into the pockets of Australian families.
“If you have a family where mum and dad are both earning $60 – $70,000 a year each, they’ll get $530 each.
“That’s half the average electricity bill here in Penrith.”
The proposed personal income tax reforms include a seven year strategy that would see five tax brackets reduced to four.
In his Budget reply last week, Labor Leader Bill Shorten also promised tax savings, with plans to introduce a Working Australians Tax Refund which would deliver rebates of up to $928 to those earning between $50,000 and $90,000, well and truly kick-starting Labor’s campaign for the next election.
But today in Penrith, Mr Turnbull took the time to remind people of his new catchphrase, that Mr Shorten is “unbelieva-Bill.”
Emily Newton
Emily Newton is the Weekender's police and political reporter. Emily is also the Weekender's Senior Journalist.