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



Bill Shorten Delivers ALP Policy Speech At Penrith Campaign Launch

Bill Shorten has delivered the ALP’s policy speech for the 2016 federal election.

ShortenPicture credit: image posted on Twitter by @AustralianLabor

Speaking in Penrith, in the western Sydney seat of Lindsay, Shorten gave a speech light on new promises but heavy on appeals to the Labor faithful. Defence of Medicare was a constant theme of the speech, with Shorten paying homage to former prime minister Bob Hawke’s role in establishing the scheme in 1983.

The proceedings began with a speech by Emma Husar, the ALP candidate for Lindsay. Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek also spoke.
[Read more…]


Another Medicare Advertisement From The ALP

Ahead of its official campaign launch tomorrow, the ALP has released another television advertisement on Medicare.

The ad comes at the end of a week that began with an ad featuring former Prime Minister Bob Hawke talking up the prospect of the Turnbull government privatising Medicare. [Read more…]


Bob Hawke Does Medicare Advertisement For ALP Campaign

Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke has appeared in a Labor Party advertisement on Medicare.

It was Hawke’s government that introduced the current Medicare scheme after winning the 1983 federal election. Medicare came into operation in 1984. It was essentially the same scheme legislated by the Whitlam government in 1974 but dismantled by the Fraser government after 1975.

In the advertisement, Hawke warns against the privatisation of Medicare. He says that the only reason for establishing a taskforce to investigate privatisation is if you intend to do just that. [Read more…]