The extraordinary Federal budget was just delivered by our treasurer. There are some good ideas and I am glad it lacks the doom of Hockey’s budget a few years ago, despite the 8% expected peak unemployment.
Some fields that will be directly supported include cybersecurity, STEM fields for women and “shovel ready” infrastructure projects across the nation. I hope the latter one will follow strict measures and not be rushed, despite the Treasurer’s warning to states that they will need to use this money or lose it.
I’m glad aged care is being addressed in this budget. I am glad manufacturing in Australia was mentioned as important, despite the minimal support for it. We need to think of the industries for the future and training and educating the nation to meet those needs.
I believe there was a missed opportunity to explore solar or wind power. The $1.8 billion “supporting the environment” is pleasing, despite committing to developing four gas sites and no commitment to renewable energy. Renewable energy is doable and would create jobs while helping the environment.
We don’t know what the future holds, but it will come. I am glad Australia is in an economic position to deliver such a budget.
Are we supporting the industries of the future? I hope so. We need more innovation.