But I wish to applaud the stopping of benefits to income earners over $150,000. Anyone who complains about that needs to pull their head in. I support a government that supports the working class Australian families that this country was built on.
Eliza Pearson
Bruny Island TAS
20 May 2008
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I think the Government's new Green Loan scheme will be of great benefit. I would like to see the government help all pensioners with fixed low interst rate loans for the purchase of better cars that are more fuel efficient, for rainwater tanks and solar. Every little thing that can be done to help the environment will help us all.Judith Bijleveld
Nanango QLD
20 May 2008
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This is a very fair budget all round and delivers real assistance to
those that need it. Families on $150,000 + shouldn't receive the extra
cash that low income families do, and those who disagree are just
greedy. Some families are really struggling just to pay the bills and
put food on the table and, by cutting back on spending, the government
can afford to help those truly in need.
Amy Bourke
Kapooka NSW
19 May 2008
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The Budget is splendid on the whole, However, some of my family members
are troubled about the the assistance given to pensioners/elderly, and
those who have contributed significantly through the years to the
financial success of the country.
I also think that means testing should be lifted off the solar panel
situation, so that all people benefit in promoting a culture of
producing a cleaner environment.
Kevin Dixon
Runcorn QLD
18 May 2008
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Well done Wayne Swan, Lindsay Tanner and staff. I think Wayne Swan is correct - It is all about balance. Election promises Vs Can't spend because of inflation. It is impossible to please everyone in the budget, no one ever has. It is just nice to see a man like Swan who is honest and humble instead of that awful arrogant, smug lot we have been watching for the last ten years. This new government has some humanity about it.
Overall an excellent budget, but those of us who try to survive on DSP and who do not need carers or supported accommodation remain in need. I am grateful for the Utilities Allowance; it will be a great help. But why can't people on DSP receive the same bonus that age pensioners receive?
Dominic Flanagan
Sydney NSW
17 May 2008
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Having a disability means you are up for all sorts of extra expenses - special diets, special clothing and footwear, medical supplies that are not covered by any subsidy, mobility aids, transport costs etc. It would have been nice to get a little extra something
Diana Lyons
Port Macquarie NSW
16 May 2008
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I trust the the Rudd Govt will look at the financial issues for pensioners as the situation is becoming dire. I don't want handouts, but is is becoming increasing difficult to manage with the rise in the cost of living. I find it degrading after a lifetime of work to be living on the poverty line.
Cheryl Rawnsley
Wendouree VIC
16 May 2008
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All day I have been trying to get onto talk back radio as 6PR kept saying that there was nothing for those on a Pension & DSP in the budget. I finally got on to Howard Sattler's drive time to tell them they were wrong. 6PR News on the hour were reporting the one off payment of $500, so it just goes to show the presenters do not listen to their own stations news. Talk back & papers are run by the Liberals in WA.
Being on a DSP under the Howard Government, you know those on a DSP didn't exist. We were not Australians and received nothing. But I would like to THANK YOU for my $125 in March and for the $500 one off payment before June 30 2008. It is still hard to live on $140 per fortnight after rent but that little extra is so gratefully accepted.
Hang in their Kevin and Wayne. You are doing a great job, and that is coming from a 62 year-old that has been conservative until the last election when I voted Labor and am extremely proud that I have, at last, chosen the right man in Mr Rudd.
Linda Wood
Heathridge WA
15 May 2008
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Very happy with the budget. I still get the promised tax cut (as initiated by the Libs at the last election as a desperate attempt to retain power; sorry I hate the rodent), and money is now directed to the NEEDY not the Greedy.
Christopher Moxham
Maroubra NSW
15 May 2008
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Good innovative budget. Means testing is a valid tool to target need. But why retain negative gearing which artificially raises house prices and is a preserve of the well-off?
Anne Heard
Brisbane QLD
15 May 2008
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Great budget. Just wanted to bring one issue that has been overlooked. I am a parent of two children aged 5 & 8 and am legally blind. Their was nothing in the budged for assisting adults with disabilities. The focus was on children with disabilities. I think we that is people with disabilities need to be recognised just as much as senior Australians. Keep it up.
Fiorella Gentile
Woodville West SA
14 May 2008
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Thank you for the Budget. I have waited for a lot of years for a government to do something about our long term future. Perhaps ours could be the last generation where we have the opportunity to really make something great for those who follow us. Unfortunately for the last 12 years a "golden opportunity" has slipped through our fingers.
As an aged pensioner, your National Press Club address gives me hope that the issues of the elderly will receive proper evaluation. When I was working, I would not have had an issue with paying more taxes, provided they went into infrastructure and to the defense of our nation. Your party is to be commended for taking the direction they have with this budget.
William Chandler
Tamworth NSW
14 May 2008
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Finally we have a government and PM with a moral conscience! Great budget Wayne. Give the money to the people who need it. The fat cats have had it good for too long!
Louise Wood
Rouse Hill NSW
14 May 2008
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Congratulations on the First Budget. However, I think if "they" want to curb inflation they should bring back the old time policy of putting up a deposit when buying anything on credit. People are being trapped by ads saying "No Interest for X years" or "No repayment until 20 X". These so-called deals are scams and need looking into. It should be illegal to entice people into hire purchase deals they cannot afford!
Richard Scotte
Canberra ACT
14 May 2008
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Very happy with your moves in the vague direction of a more progressive taxation system. Baby bonuses for the rich and endless breaks for seniors in order to buy votes are what helped do the Liberal party in.
Loved your "sorry", it made me cry; love your Mandarin; you're forgiven for being a Queenslander; you're kicking goals all over the place. Keep up the good work Kev, it's a brave new world!
Claire Hartnett
Doncaster VIC
13 May 2008
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Thank you! Providing funding for the long term needs of the disabled who need supported accommodation is a step in the right direction. As a mother of a 30yr old disabled son, I breathed a sigh of relief. I dare to believe that this government has enough compassion to plan for the care and support of both the disabled and their carers.
My greatest fear is that my son will end up homeless. And without the care and support he needs so he can have the best life he can. Please continue what you have begun and use your governing powers to ensure that the weakest members of our society do not suffer from neglect.
Carmen Polidano
Werribee VIC
13 May 2008
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Just saw some broadcast of the Budget on ABC1, and the interview with Mr Swan. I absolutely agree with the answers given in respect to the questions asked from Kerry O'Brien. I even prefer to have my income tax raised to increase infrastructure or health issues, and the aged pension, as I believe they really do need a ot of attention.
The Opposition Spokesman who spoke after Mr Swan in the same interview doesn't seem to understand. I need to have the infrastructure in place and a hospital bed available when I need it at ANY cost. No wonder they lost the election, they simply dont get it! Thankyou for the promises kept.
Daniel Moygannon
Wollongong NSW
13 May 2008
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