The federal budget has sent a clear message to regional Queensland and the Burdekin’s major industries that they were simply the nation’s cash cow, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

Mr Last said the Burdekin’s farmers, motorists, resource workers, families and small businesses had every right to feel disappointed with the 2026/2027 Federal Budget.

“The Burdekin’s major industries have been economic powerhouses, not only for our state but our nation and the hardworking men and women in those sectors have every right to feel like they have been treated like cash cows,” Mr Last said.

“Looking across the state, there is no new infrastructure funding and an attempt by the federal government to turn their backs on a funding agreement to provide the crucial safety upgrades we need for the Bruce Highway.”

“The Crisafulli Government fought hard to reinstate the 80-20 funding deal with the federal government for the nationally recognised highway after it fell by the wayside under the former Labor state government.”

“The Bruce Highway is an artery to the beating heart of industries that drive our nation’s economy and in the North we have called for a co-ordinated approach to back the investment that artery needs, yet the federal budget fell short of this.”

Mr Last said the hit for regional communities didn’t stop at the highway with $21.4 million cut from regional communications and a key federal program supporting feral pest eradication projects stripped of funding from 2027/2028.

“Our major industries deserve to have federal government support reflecting the contribution they give to our nation’s economy, be it funding to manage biosecurity risks, having reliable communications or safer roads to connect our paddocks to export markets.

“At a time of uncertainty rather than showing leadership, the federal government has placed more pressure on our essential services, our housing and current infrastructure, leaving Queensland to do more with less.”