Bribes, bungles and broken dreams
This is a budget which cements old prejudices and bribes voters. Its centrepiece? Truckloads of money. It could have done so much, but actually did so little. Sure, the Treasurer threw back to us some of it and, like kids in a lolly shop, we are expected to scramble for our share. But you can bet your bottom dollar that we will all end up paying for it in a multitude of ways and in the not-too-distant future.
If you missed Tuesday night’s budget, do not worry, there will be another: ‘2007 Budget - the Sequel’. Just before election day another large stash of money will be found and another round of promises and spending will commence. We are tipping that the sequel will be just as show-stopping as the first: a daring taxation robbery; a dramatic fight scene in which the key players alternatively fall away and then claw their way back; lots of special effects; and a winner-take-all scene at the end.
But whether you will see reparations made in Indigenous communities, a lid on interest rates, a commitment to tax reform, access to higher education or a real response to climate change when you finally get out of the theatre remains to be seen.
Our Senators respond to the 2007 budget
Budget Statement - Senator Lyn Allison, Leader of the Australian Democrats
Bribes Bungles and Broken Dreams - Senator Lyn Allison, Leader of the Australian Democrats
Indigenous Health
Budget fails to bridge the gap on Indigenous health - Senator Andrew Bartlett, Spokeperson on Indigenous Affairs
Will 'new paternalism' stifle Indigenous housing funding boost? - Senator Andrew Bartlett, Spokeperson on Indigenous Affairs
Education
Budget's School Spending Gets a D-Minus - Senator Lyn Allison, Leader of the Australian Democrats
Democrat win on Austudy Rent Assistance - Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, Spokesperson on Higher Education
Sting in the tail of education Budget - Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, Spokesperson on Higher Education
Dental Health
Something Rotten in Dental Catch-Up - Senator Lyn Allison, Leader of the Australian Democrats
Taxation
Tax Cuts Compo Not Reform - Senator Andrew Murray, Spokesperson on Taxation
Environment
Democrats welcome Great Barrier Reef funding boost, but protection campaign must continue - Senator Andrew Bartlett, Spokeperson on the Environment
Housing Affordability
Big spending Budget squibs it on housing affordability crisis - Senator Andrew Bartlett, Spokeperson on Family & Community Services |
