ACTU: No punitive crackdowns!

10 May, 2011 | ACTU Media Release

Tonight’s Federal Budget must focus on Australia’s long-term economic challenges through a considered plan that also delivers improved opportunities for working Australians and their families.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the Government should use Australia’s strong economic position to invest in long-term challenges facing the country, such as skills, infrastructure, and workforce participation.

“Since last year’s Budget, the Australian economy has continued to outperform most of the developed world. More than 300 000 jobs have been created in the past year, and wages growth is solid but sustainable,” Ms Kearney said.

“This is the result of the Government’s strong economic management and unions now call on our leaders to focus on the long-term challenges facing Australia, including ensuring we have a clear plan for skills development which will support both Australia’s long-term fiscal stability and provide a better future for Australian workers.

“The Government’s already-released forecast that unemployment will fall to 4.5 per cent and 500,000 jobs will be created by mid-2013 is a result of strong economic management.

“The deficit is modest by any standards, and we call on the Government to ensure any spending cuts in this year’s Budget are equitable and consistent with the values of fairness and opportunity.”

Ms Kearney said the Government must also invest further in health and education, infrastructure, the extension of workers’ rights, and the delivery of higher superannuation.

Measures to improve workforce participation will be welcomed, but they should not involve punitive crackdowns on the long-term unemployed, the disabled, or young people.