Treasurer Scott Morrison Delivers 2017 Federal Budget

The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has delivered the Turnbull government’s second Budget, forecasting a return to surplus in four years, abandoning stalled budget cuts, guaranteeing Medicare and the PBS, incresing the Medicare levy and imposing a new levy on the commercial banks.

The Budget also includes provisions for first home buyers to salary sacrifice into their superannuation. It includes a crackdown on welfare recipients.

The Budget marks a break with the Abbott years. It abandons the “zombie” cuts stalled in the Senate whilst increasing spending in traditional Labor areas. Morrison said it was a “reset”.

  • Listen to Scott Morrison deliver the Budget (32m)
  • Watch Morrison (32m)

Budget Documents – PDF downloads



Defence White Paper Released By Turnbull Government

The Turnbull government has released a Defence White Paper.

The White Paper was launched at a ceremony at the Australian Defence Academy, attended by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne.

The paper commits the government to increasing Defence spending from $32.4 billion to $58.7 billion in 2025.

The White Paper is shown below.

Defence White Paper Downloads

At A Glance

Statement from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne.

The 2016 White Paper is a comprehensive and responsible long-term plan to ensure Australia’s national security.

It is the culmination of detailed analysis of our strategic environment, our defence priorities and objectives, and the capabilities required to achieve these outcomes. [Read more…]


Jingoistic, Xenophobic, Protectionist: Bill Shorten’s March To The Fringe In Speech To Submarine Workers

Disregarding the ALP’s role in developing a modern and open trading economy, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has taken the low road of jingoism and protection in a speech to submarine workers in Adelaide.

Shorten

Shorten spoke to workers in Adelaide, following reports that the National Security Committee of Cabinet is set to replace the Collins class submarine fleet with a new “off-the-shelf” Japanese vessel. He accused the government of lying to workers. [Read more…]


Stephen Smith Announces His Retirement From Parliament

The Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, has become the latest minister to announce his retirement.

Smith made his announcement at the end of Question Time today. He will continue as Foreign Minister until the election but will not contest his Western Australian electorate of Perth.

Smith

He has been the member for Perth since 1993 and has served in seven parliaments. [Read more…]