Category: Australian budget

Mental Health Will Be Key Health Focus in Australian Budget: Minister

Support for mental health will be one the key planks of the federal budget in just over a week’s time, Health Minister Greg Hunt says. Hunt says mental health is one of the four pillars of Australia’s long-term national health plan. The other areas are primary care with a strong focus on access to new…


Why Cutting Fuel Excise Isn’t the Best Option to Ease Cost of Living in Australia

As surging petrol prices eat into household budgets, politicians have been trying to demonstrate their empathy with ordinary Australians with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg signalling that this month’s budget will contain targeted assistance to ease the cost of living pressures. What this means is not clear. However, one widely discussed possibility is a cut in…


Australian Budget Is $45 Billion Better, but Long Term Pain Expected: Deloitte

According to forecasts by Deloitte Access Economics, the budget deficit within the next four years will be $45 billion (US$33.4 billion) less compared to Treasury forecasts, but the long-term outlook for the budget is $60 billion (US$44 billion) worse. Deloitte partner Chris Richardson said Australian taxpayers would get $45 billion back in their pockets because…


Australian Education Sector Calls out Government Over Lack of Support in Federal Budget

Many in the Australian higher education sector feel left behind in the 2021-22 Budget after a difficult financial year with reduced international student revenue. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $19 billion (US$14.8 billion) in funding for universities in his budget speech in Parliament on Tuesday evening. The measures include creating new employment pathways for students, funding…


Industry Bodies Welcome Home Ownership Initiatives in 2021 Budget

The Australian housing and mortgage sectors are commending the federal governments new and expanded measures announced in the Federal Budget on Tuesday to help more Australians become homeowners and, in turn, drive economic recovery. Property Council of Australia (PCA) chief executive Ken Morrison said in a statement that the PCA commended the federal government for the…


Budget 2021: $1.2 Billion Into Australia’s Digital Future

The Australian government has announced it will be spending $1.2 billion (US$930 million) to help grow the nation into a leading digital economy by 2030 as part of the upcoming federal budget. “Every business in Australia is now a digital business,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. “This transformation is not merely a national one that…


$53 Million on the Way for Non-University Tertiary Education Providers

English language schools and non-university higher education providers will be getting a $53 million (US$41.2 million) package to support the businesses as they struggle without international student revenue. The support package will encourage providers to shift their business models to focus on Australian students and help expand their courses for overseas students. “Many non-university providers…


Unemployment Rate Needs to Start With a Four: Treasurer

The Australian government will not be making a sharp pivot towards austerity despite the strengthening economy because the nation is “not out of the pandemic yet,” says the Treasurer. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg used the pre-budget speech on Thursday to reveal the shift in budget policy to focus on job creation and reducing the unemployment rate…