Independent for Gilmore Kate Dezarnaulds has welcomed household relief in the 2025–26 Federal Budget, but says lasting change for the South Coast depends on how promises are delivered.

Dezarnaulds praised new investments in health, infrastructure and education, and acknowledged the $7.9 billion bulk billing boost and aged care pay rise as “steps in the right direction”.

However, she said the test will be whether these measures translate into better access, particularly in rural and coastal towns.

“There’s no doubt this Budget offers some relief,” she said, “but for communities like ours, what matters is how these commitments are felt day to day - in housing, health care, and our ability to access the services that city residents take for granted.

“In places like Nowra, Milton and Ulladulla, the problem isn’t bulk billing, it’s finding a GP at all. 

“We need investment in the rural health workforce, not just funding lines.”

The Budget’s failure to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance stood out for Dezarnaulds, especially in a region where over 90 per cent of renters are already in housing stress. 

“When housing affordability is this bad, tinkering around the edges won’t cut it. We need serious strategies for regional housing - more affordable rentals, more diverse builds, and community-led models like modular homes and build-to-rent.”

Kate Dezarnaulds.

While the government’s Help to Buy scheme may help some first-home buyers, she noted it does little to help renters right now. “In Gilmore, the crisis is immediate — families are being priced out or pushed out.”

And while the $13 billion for disaster recovery is significant, she urged the government not to neglect prevention. “In high-risk regions like Shoalhaven, we need flood-proof roads, fire breaks, and climate-resilient infrastructure — not just recovery cheques after the damage is done.”

She also called for a national conversation about home and business insurance in disaster-prone areas. “People here are already struggling to get affordable cover. That needs urgent attention.”

Despite commitments to clean energy, Dezarnaulds says more clarity is needed on how the transition will create jobs and opportunities in regional areas. “Grants for small business energy upgrades are great, but will local businesses even know how to access them? 

“And where’s the investment in community solar, EV charging and storage? These things should start in regions like ours.”

Dezarnaulds also questioned the silence on mobile coverage, with no update on the $6.5 million previously pledged for the Princes Highway and Kangaroo Valley black spots. “It’s hard to build a future if we can’t even get a phone signal.”

Pay rises for early educators were another bright spot, but access remains the bigger issue for South Coast families. “It’s good to value our educators, but if parents in Kiama or Ulladulla can’t find a place, what use is a pay rise? We need solutions for regional workforce shortages too.”

While Dezarnaulds believes the Budget includes worthwhile commitments, she is urging a sharper focus on how these translate to communities like Gilmore.

“One per cent of not much is still not much,” she said. “It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending wisely, so it actually improves lives here on the ground.”