Dogs, beef week, seaweed: 6 weird winners of the Budget

From sniffer dogs to beef week to toys for kids, here are some of the quirkier things the Federal Budget has announced funding for. (Source: AAP/Getty)

While there weren’t too many surprises in last night’s Federal Budget, there were some quirky areas that received funding (including puppies).

Here are six of the weirder things the Albanese Government is paying for.

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• Budget 2022: Centrelink recipients to get major cash boost

1. Sniffer dogs

In good news for dog people, the Government will provide $11.7 million over four years for detector dogs so they can sniff out prohibited and restricted goods at the border.

A further $3.3 million per year will be spent on sniffer dogs from 2026/27 onwards, to help train them up.

2. Beef Week

You could be seeing more steak on your plate with the Government committing $12.3 million over three years to sponsor regional trade events, including Beef Australia 2024, Casino Beef Week, the second Dairy Symposium, LamEx and Hort Connections.

3. Seaweed

The Budget has set aside $8.1 million over three years to support the sale of seaweed as a low-emissions livestock feed. The funding will support the creation of a national hatchery network, policy reform and research and development activities.

4. Playgroups and toys

Kids will also get a boost, with $12.4 million committed over four years to support community playgroups and toy libraries. It includes funding for new First Nations and intergenerational playgroups, as well as to upgrade facilities.

This is part of the Government’s “community well-being” support and the first time an Australian Budget has considered well-being measures.

5. Haircuts

Also part of the Budget’s well-being support is free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness.

The Government has set aside $400,000 over two years to support not-for-profit organisation Short Back and Sidewalks.

6. Ethical fashion

The Government also wants Aussies to start shopping ethically. It has committed $6.1 million over four years to help consumers choose ethically sourced Australian textiles, clothing and footwear.

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