The Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered his Budget speech on Tuesday night in Parliament House.
Tax cuts for low and middle income earners, and an emphasis on increasing economic activity brought praise from many interest groups, including the
Australian Industry Group's Innes Willox.
"This is a very positive Budget, a cause for optimism, and many of the measures in here and commitments that the government has made should be applauded."]]
But funnelling unexpected government income into tax cuts rather than paying down the deficit has some, like James Pearson, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry worried.
"This is a budget that's taking the country in the right direction, it would have been good to see more ambition on long term budget repair." ]]
Another tick for the government was its focus on health.
Council of the Aging's Ian Yates said this year's Budget was a win for Australia's aging population.
"For the first time we've seen the government attempt a comprehensive package about aging. "]]
Health organisations were particularly happy there'll be more home care services funding for thousands of older Australians.
No increase in the foreign aid budget though, with the government holding it at 4-point-2-billion dollars per year.
Sally Moyle, from CARE Australia, says Australia's contribution to aid has been cut by 30 per cent over the past five years and this year's freeze means it'll effectively be reduced even further.
