Budget cuts needed to maintain AAA rating: Morrison

Treasurer Scott Morrison has welcomed Moody's affirmation of Australia's triple-A credit rating.

Treasurer Scott Morrison

Treasurer Scott Morrison has welcomed Moody's affirmation of Australia's triple-A credit rating. (AAP)

The federal government has used the decision of a second ratings agency to confirm Australia's triple-A ratings to increase pressure on Labor to pass its budget savings.

Treasurer Scott Morrison noted the Moody's decision on Wednesday cited risks to its fiscal consolidation plans, which are aimed at saving $6.5 billion.

"Support in the parliament to implement the Turnbull government's economic plan for jobs and growth, to avoid higher debt and reduce the deficit is necessary to support maintaining our triple-A rating," he said.

Mr Morrison later said the Australian economy was resilient and strong.

"But there is no doubt that there is more work to be done with the challenges that are ahead," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"As welcome as this result is today, and it is, we cannot take these things for granted going forward."

The performance of the economy - which provided jobs and supports the important services in health and education - depended on the government, parliament and people working together.

"Unfortunately, I haven't had too much success convincing the shadow treasurer and the Labor Party of partnering in the task of fiscal reform," Mr Morrison said.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Budget cuts needed to maintain AAA rating: Morrison | SBS News