Independents join backlash against federal budget cuts to regional and infrastructure programs

Helen Haines and Zoe Daniel call for freed up funds to be reinvested as Sophie Scamps criticises $75m cut from Wakehurst Parkway upgrade

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Independent MPs have joined a backlash against the budget's $9bn of cuts to regional and infrastructure programs, warning funds must be reinvested and not siphoned off for Labor election commitments.

Helen Haines and Zoe Daniel have called for funds freed up from the building better regions fund and urban congestion fund to be reinvested, while Sophie Scamps has protested the $75m cut from the Wakehurst Parkway upgrade.

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