In just a few short hours, treasurer Scott Morrison will hand down his second federal budget in Canberra tonight which he’s called “incredibly practical”.
Morrison assured Australians today that the Federal Government were “optimistic” for better days going forward and vowed to focus on “principles of fairness, principles of opportunity and principles of security”.
He also promised the Government would “continue to live within its means” after its commitment to return the budget to surplus within four years.
“We understand that many other Australians feel frustrated that they’re not getting ahead in the way they’d like to,” he told reporters in Canberra today.
“Australians have been making big sacrifices to ensure that we’ve achieved the growth we’ve had, and I want to tell them that it’s been worth it.”
While the Treasurer did not comment on reports dole bludgers would be scrutinised under a driver-style demerit scheme, nor outline specifics on housing policy, he did say Australians “can expect me to address those issues tonight”.
“There are issues that we need to address that Australians face every day,” he said.
“Some of our politics, it’s not about any of those things for Australians.
“It’s about just honestly and practically trying to deal with the challenges and the opportunities that are ahead.”
Big spending commitments already announced include an extra $18.6 billion into schools over the next ten years as part of Gonski 2.0, a new airport for Sydney and a cool $321 million to the Australian Federal Police in a bid to step up the fight against terrorism by hiring an additional 300 personnel.
The Medicare rebate freeze is expected to soften which could end the political fight with GPs. Some cabinet ministers believe this would ensure the “Mediscare” campaign could not be repeated.
Good news for aged pensioners, disability support pensioners, veterans and those on single parent payments – a one-off payment will be given to help with this winter’s power bills: couples will receive $125 by June 30 and $75 for singles.
Another $350 million will go towards helping defence force veterans battling mental health conditions.
The Government is keen to introduce a trial program restricting welfare recipients from buying booze, placing bets or withdrawing money.
Human Services Minister Alan Tudge has raised new measures to guarantee Centrelink recipients were actively looking for work and meeting with employment groups while receiving benefits.
Read more: Government to crack down on ‘dole bludgers’
The Government has proposed a bond aggregator model which would allow community housing to be loaned money at a lower rate.
While it’s still unclear what the full package will involve in terms of housing affordability, there is an understanding that measures may be introduced to help potential first home buyers save for a deposit.
It’s also rumoured foreign buyers will pay thousands in fees if they leave their investment properties empty.
Read more: What to expect from the budget for your housing situation
Much of the Government’s $50 billion infrastructure program from last year’s budget is expected to carry forward to fast track roads, rail and other major projects.
The total cost of the construction of the Western Sydney airport will be detailed tonight.
Construction of an inland freight rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane will also be bankrolled by the Government by as much as $8 billion; Coalition and Labour have already committed almost $1.8B to help cover the total estimated cost of $10.7B.