Federal Budget

If we look carefully through the Bible, we see that the quality of a society, government or community leadership, is seen in how they treat the poor and most vulnerable. If we then, through this lens, look at this week's budget, no matter how we might think economically about perceived or real debt, we would see gaping injustices. I can only quote some of Bill Shorten's broadly philosophical comments in response to the budget to echo my own. "On Tuesday we saw a Budget that seeks to demolish the pillars of Australian society: universal healthcare, education for all and a fair pension. This is a budget that pushes up the cost of living for every Australian family and hurts those who can least afford it most. The very things this Prime Minister promised not to touch, are the first casualties of his deceit, including new and higher taxes. This is the Budget of a Prime Minister and a Government who want to tear down everything Australians have built together. I believe in a different Australia, a place where your destiny is not pre-determined by your wealth or your postcode, a fair and prosperous nation populated by a creative and productive people. We believe that economic growth comes from extending opportunity. We believe in a prosperous Australia: prosperity for everyone who works and prosperity which works for everyone. An Australia ready for the future, optimistic about the future and investing in the future." Bill goes on to say, from a party political perspective, but a sentiment I would heartily support, without necessarily supporting how they have or would attempt to achieve it, "Labor believes in an Australia that includes everyone, that helps everyone, that lets everyone be their best, that leaves no-one behind. This is the Australia that the Prime Minister has forgotten."