In her Budget Address-in-Reply, Australian Democrats' Leader, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said Treasurer Costello had delivered a shock deficit Budget of $3 billion in accrual terms through mismanagement, over-spending and a lack of fiscal discipline.
"Treasurer Costello would have us believe that this is due to the tragic events of September 11, but the War on Terror accounts for just 10% of that deficit. The majority of the deficit is due to the Government's election pork-barrelling," said Senator Stott Despoja.
Senator Stott Despoja also restated her Party's opposition to the proposed Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment increases and the cuts to the Disability Support Pension.
"The economy is going "gangbusters" yet, the Government wants us to believe that it can not afford to take care of the poor, sick, disabled and vulnerable.
"Mr Costello promised vision in this Budget with the much anticipated Intergenerational Report. His agenda appears to be redirecting the safety net from Australia's needy towards Australia's privileged. The Democrats believe the costs of the Budget should be fairly spread across the community instead of targeting the poor.
"The Democrats' vision contrasts starkly with that of the Treasurer. Our priorities for the future are healing the social fabric, tackling Australia's environmental crises and investing in education to provide a better future.
"While the Government is determined to abandon any notion of a 'fair go', we consider this a time to be bringing Australia together.
"We will not support the Government's moves to increase co-payments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or to cut the Disability Support Pension. These moves will be defeated if the ALP stays strong on its commitment to oppose these measures.
"The Democrats strongly support fiscal responsibility, but we believe it is time the Government stopped hitting the poor to give tax cuts to the wealthy.
"The Budget measures could be funded if the 30% private health rebate ($1.9 billion over 4 years) was means tested to exclude the top income earners.
"This Government has introduced cuts to the superannuation surcharge for those earning more than $85,000, provided a 30% rebate on private health insurance and grants for the first homebuyers scheme which are not means tested whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000.
"We will negotiate with the Government to find the money for the Budget, but we will not allow this Government to cut compassion to fund fear," concluded Senator Stott Despoja.
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