New Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shown he is a man who understands the key challenges facing families and businesses on the Mid-North Coast.
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That is clear from the priorities he has set. Getting power bills down is one. There is no bigger drain on family or small business budgets than rising power costs. The Prime Minister will concentrate on cutting the cost of power, and ensuring reliability of supply, above reducing emissions.
Health is a top priority and he has committed to making medicines affordable through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme just as soon as the government is told it is safe to list them, unlike our predecessors.
His announcement of a Royal Commission into aged care, to ensure that standards are met and accountability improved is part of his commitment on health, and that is especially important for our community which has more senior citizens than most.
The Prime Minister has brought small business back into cabinet in a clear indication he understands its crucial role in the national economy, and especially in regions such as ours where small and medium sized businesses provide most jobs.
The fact that the budget is now headed for a surplus in two years, for the first time in over ten years, is in large measure down to the great job Scott Morrison did as treasurer immediately before he became PM.
Careful management by Mr Morrison was also crucial in helping to deliver the strong infrastructure spending we have enjoyed, especially through the multi-billion upgrade of the Pacific Highway through our region.
Mr Morrison is also very well qualified to meet another of the key commitments he made on becoming Prime Minister which is to prioritise national security. As Minister for Immigration and Border Protection under Tony Abbott Mr Morrison was the man who stopped the boats.
His background and attitude coming into the job is custom fit for purpose, and the times. He will do it well.