Independent for Gilmore Kate Dezarnaulds available for comment on the Federal Budget
Independent for Gilmore Kate Dezarnaulds is available for comment following the release of the 2025–26 Federal Budget.
Ms Dezarnaulds welcomes targeted relief for households and new investments in health, education and infrastructure, but says the real test will be how these commitments deliver for regional communities like Gilmore.
“This Budget includes some welcome measures, but short-term relief only goes so far. What matters is how these announcements deliver real outcomes for communities like ours. Rising energy bills, housing stress, GP shortages — these aren’t abstract issues in Gilmore, they’re daily realities. We need long-term solutions that make life more affordable and services more accessible on the South Coast.”
While tax cuts will provide modest relief for most, Kate believes they should be seen in the broader context of spending priorities during a cost-of-living crisis. “One percent of not much is still not much — and we need to ask whether those billions could have been better directed toward the services people rely on.”
Key issues Kate is available to discuss:
Renters and Housing
- No new increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance despite rental affordability reaching record lows.
- In Gilmore, 91% of renters are already in housing stress. Kate is encouraging a clear strategy to increase the supply of affordable rentals in regional areas.
- While the Help to Buy scheme may assist some homebuyers, it does not address the immediate need for more affordable rental stock across the South Coast.
- Kate is interested in exploring diverse and community-led housing solutions such as tiny homes, modular builds and regional build-to-rent models.
Healthcare Access
- The $7.9 billion investment in bulk billing is welcome, but in many South Coast towns, the immediate challenge is GP availability. Kate is encouraging more targeted investment in rural health workforce pipelines.
- Aged care nurses will receive a pay rise, which is a positive step. Kate believes additional support is needed to attract and retain aged care staff locally.
Disaster Resilience and Insurance
- While the Budget includes over $13 billion for disaster recovery, greater emphasis is needed on local disaster prevention and mitigation, particularly in high-risk areas like Shoalhaven. We need to have a serious national conversation about how to keep home and business insurance accessible in high-risk regions like Gilmore.
Infrastructure Gaps and Mobile Coverage
- Infrastructure gaps remain a barrier to regional development, and Kate is interested in how digital access, EV charging, and public transport infrastructure will be rolled out beyond the cities.
- There is no update in this Budget on the $6.5 million previously committed for mobile coverage improvements along the Princes Highway and in Kangaroo Valley. Kate is seeking transparency and follow-through on local infrastructure funding.
Energy Transition and Local Jobs
- While large-scale investment in clean energy is encouraging, Kate is calling for more clarity on how this transition will benefit local tradies, small businesses, and community-led energy initiatives.
- Grants of up to $25,000 for small business energy upgrades are a practical measure. Kate will be monitoring their accessibility for businesses in Gilmore. Opportunities like community-owned solar, battery storage and vehicle-to-grid technology could bring long-term savings and resilience to local households and industries — but only if the regions are included from the start.
- EV adoption remains low in Gilmore, due in part to limited charging infrastructure and lack of targeted support for regional drivers, businesses and farmers.
Childcare Access and Workforce
- Wage increases for early educators are welcome, but access to childcare remains limited in towns like Kiama, Nowra, Milton and Ulladulla.
- Kate is seeking clarity on how the government's commitments will address workforce shortages in these areas and ensure families in regional communities benefit.
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Notes for Media:
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Pronunciation: Kate’s surname, Dezarnaulds, is pronounced ‘Dez-ar-know’.
Media Assets
- Photos of Kate available here. More available on request.
- Campaign video: https://youtu.be/3pt46SbCB4I
About Kate Dezarnaulds and Her Campaign for Gilmore
Kate Dezarnaulds is an independent candidate for Gilmore, committed to delivering practical, community-driven solutions for the South Coast. A local business leader and advocate for regional investment, Kate is focused on fixing real issues, including improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring government funding reaches the people who need it. Kate’s campaign is built on listening to the community, advocating for transparency, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. She believes that Gilmore deserves a strong, independent voice in Canberra—one that puts people before politics.
Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, Independent for South Coast Pty Ltd, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535