Big contrast in Federal Budget approaches

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg presented how we would continue to build a strong economy. Already we are $100 billion ahead of the forecasts, largely due to strong commodity prices and exports, including coal – 70,000 tonnes of which is going to Ukraine, by request of president Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Treasurer committed to ease cost-of-living pressures through a temporary reduction in fuel excise, a tax offset for 10 million Aussies, and a one-off payment to concession card holders and pensioners. The Coalition are making paid parental leave more accessible and flexible. We’re strengthening small businesses with payments to apprentices and subsidies for employers. We are upskilling the workforce by providing $120 tax deductions for every $100 spent on training employees and digital technologies.

Domestic violence prevention services will be bolstered with another $1.3 billion. A further $1.3 billion will be invested to expand phone coverage for 8000km of Australian roads.

There is funding to assist single parents, or others unable to get into the housing market. The extensions of this highly successful program will be a relief for many struggling to buy a house. There are also billions of dollars for environmental protections and energy security into the future.

I continue to focus on regional health, and welcome the new PBS-listed drugs for cancer or cystic fibrosis among 2800 other drugs now approved. And let’s remember when Labor was last in government it failed to approve one drug on to the PBS.

I also welcome funding secured for childcare in regional towns where there is none or not enough. In addition, I am pleased more regional medical training has been secured and aged care is to receive an injection of $340 million.

And what did we hear from the Opposition Leader in the budget in reply? A speech dominated by political rhetoric, and bumper sticker sloganeering. A budget speech with no numbers and zero accountability.