Morrison hypes unique budget for ‘extraordinary times’

Treasurer Scott Morrison claims he has not delivered “just another budget” and suggests his first budget foray represents a wider economic plan.

 

Morrison has attempted to balance tax cuts for middle class Aussies and small businesses, with a clampdown on tax-dodging multinational corporations and an increase in tobacco excise.

 

The treasurer invoked the importance of “hardworking Australians and their families” in a budget speech which could have huge significance ahead of this year’s federal election.

 

“This cannot be just another budget, because these are extraordinary times,” Morrison said in his budget speech.

Also read: Tax dodger crack down to swell budget coffers

 

“This budget is an economic plan, it’s not just another budget.

 

“Australians know that our future depends on how well we continue to grow and shape our economy as we transition from the unprecedented mining investment boom to a stronger, more diverse, new economy,” he said.

 

Morrison claimed his economic plan is going to be delivered in three key ways:

 

·      Sticking to a plan for “jobs and growth”.

·      Fixing the tax system so the government’s responsibilities can be covered.

·      Having the budget on a sustainable path to bring it “back into balance”.

 

“Australians know it is no easy task to secure jobs and growth in a highly competitive, volatile and uncertain global economy,” Morrison continued.

Also read: BUDGET 2016: Winners and losers

 

Morrison made much of Australia’s economic achievements in a global context, highlighting a local economy growing faster than major players such as the UK, the US, Japan and Germany.

 

“Given the international headwinds and fragility, this is an achievement of which we should all be proud.

 

“So like the Australian people, we are upbeat and optimistic, even though some Australians are feeling the transition more acutely in some parts of the country than others.

 

“Australians are already seizing their opportunities. The economic plan we have announced tonight will back them in to do more,” claimed Morrison.