14 May, 2013 | ACTU Media Release
Comments on the Federal Budget 2013 from Ged Kearney, ACTU President:
"The most important measure of a budget is job creation. By that measure, this Budget is a success. The Government has protected Australian jobs at a time of challenging economic circumstances by avoiding a slash-and-burn approach to return to surplus prematurely.
"Australia's future is dependent on strong employment. The Treasurer has prudently ignored misdirected calls for austere measures - like those in Europe - which would have been out of alignment with the reality of Australia's modest deficit and stymied the nation's economic growth.
"Instead this budget outlines investments in areas that will encourage job creation, improve education and deliver a better life for families. This includes infrastructure projects, childcare, disability and education investments.
"The schools improvement plan and the disability funding are historic reforms that will leave a lasting legacy. These are long term projects that require the support of future governments in order to reach their full potential.
"While we still believe the single Newstart allowance should be increased, the Government has made a welcome move in the right direction by allowing people on NewStart to work more hours each week without losing their payment.
"Unions are strongly supportive of changes that will stop businesses using loopholes to bypass paying their fair share of company tax.
"When multinational companies are able to exploit loopholes to reduce the tax they pay, that shifts the bill onto local businesses, as well as workers and consumers. The changes announced in this Budget will mean that multinational companies are called on to pay their fair share in tax.
"Unions strongly support welfare that assists those who need it most. The baby bonus has been superseded for working families by the better targeted Paid Parental Leave scheme.
"This is a good budget from a reformist government which balances jobs and growth with fairness and compassion, especially for those with disabilities. There is much for workers and their families to be pleased about," Ms Kearney said.
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