The ABC, SBS and digital television all emerge with extra funding from the 2009-10 budget, but community television loses out in funding boost.
Budget 09 news
NZ perspective: Australia pins hopes on spending up big
Australia intends spending its way out of recession with hefty borrowing and a A$22 billion ($27.8 billion) public works program.
US perspective: Australian budget shortfall to hit record $US44 Billion
The deficits represent a turnaround for the nation that recorded a budget surplus of A$19.7 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
Hockey’s official budget rebuttal
Check out the official media release from Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey, detailing his response to the 09 budget and Labor’s “reckless spending spree”.
Extra $32 in pensioners’ purse weekly
Pensioners are grateful to receive a boost to pensions, with a $32 per week increase to pension payments.
Long and painful road back to surplus
With one million Australians set to be unemployed in the next two years, the path back to a budget surplus is lengthy and difficult. And that is assuming the Treasury’s economic predictions are accurate.
Medicare Private no longer a not-for-profit
By end of 2009, Medibank Private will become a for profit organisation. “For the first time, Medibank Private will pay tax on profits and return dividends to the government” says Lindsay Tanner.
Pension age raised to 67
From 2023, aged pension payments will only be available to those over the age of 67 years.
2009 Federal Budget: the key points
Economy, families, tax, retirement, defence, health and climate: a few important, easily digestible points
Private health rebates now means tested
The private health insurance rebate will be cut back for those earning over $75,000, with high earners expected to pay an extra $1000 per year.
Super co-contributions halved
As expected, Swan has announced a drop in super co-contributions by half, although goverment says only 2% of Australians will be affected.
Deficit guessing game ends: $57.6 billion
Wayne Swan announces budget with $57.6 billion deficit, or 4.9% of GDP.
Brisbane light rail by 2013
In its ‘09 Budget, the federal Government has promised $365 million for the $850 million light rail project in Brisbane.
As we wait for Budget 09, the sharemarket falls
Investors bracing for a tough budget clearly got wedding day jitters Tuesday afternoon, with shares falling 1.2% after a sell off in global equity and commodities.
Wayne Swan’s Budget day message
In case all the leaks forecasting a tough Budget weren’t enough to warn the public, Treasurer Swan takes out an opinion page in The Oz.
