The federal budget has failed Australians living in rural communities, Nationals leader David Littleproud has declared, calling it a targeted assault on the regions.
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Following the Albanese government's third budget, handed down on Tuesday night, Mr Littleproud said there were few new investment measures aimed outside the major cities.
"It's clear there that these are the practices and decision of a government that is blinded by an ideology, which has no empathy, no understanding and no recognition of the practical realities of living in regional Australia," he told parliament on Wednesday.
"What we've seen in the 24 months since the Albanese government was elected is an unprecedented and targeted assault on the regions."
Mr Littleproud took aim at the government's recent decision to phase out live sheep exports by 2028, pledging the coalition would restore the industry should it win the next election.
It comes as farmers' groups staged a walkout on Wednesday to a speech by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt over the move.
"It's inexcusable that we have just witnessed the Australian government throw more than $100 million in money to shut down a lawful, profitable and sustainable animal production industry," Mr Littleproud said.
"Ruining innocent livelihoods in this process is not the Australian way."
Rural health care received a modest lifeline in the budget, with modest boosts or continuations of previously announced programs.
A $116 million rural health workforce program from 2023 will include a new $17.4 million package to prop up clinics in rural and remote areas.
Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain said the program would expand the number of GPs in regional areas.
"We know that our regional communities are screaming out for doctors, which is why we're incentivising doctors to train and work outside of our big cities," she told parliament.
"We want more people to study in their own backyard and to continue working in their local community."
Regional industries were at the centre of the government's $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia plan, which will support the development of clean energy sectors.
Ms McBain said regional communities would spearhead many of the projects included in the plan.
"(It's) a plan that will leverage the competitive advantages outside of our big cities that will stimulate our regional economies and that will forge significant investment opportunities," she said.
Australian Associated Press
