Tribune’s note

Shadow Assistant Minister Jamie Chaffey used a House debate to mount a targeted attack on the federal budget's treatment of local government, citing a cut to financial assistance grants from 0.51% to 0.49% of Commonwealth taxation revenue against a stated 1% target. Chaffey framed the shortfall as a direct cause of council rate increases of up to 100%, which he characterised as unaffordable bill shock for ratepayers.

The shadow portfolio is calling for grant restoration and reinstatement of cut regional infrastructure programs including the Inland Rail north of Parkes, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

Primary records (1)

The official records this note draws on — the raw primary documents themselves, as published.

HansardCONSTITUENCY STATEMENTSJamie ChaffeyThursday 14 May 2026