Budget draws both barbs and praise

The Treasurer's third budget announcement has been given a mixed report from industry, union and charity groups.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow has given a big tick to what she calls "a solid Labor budget that consolidates jobs" and focuses on skills and training.

By and large, the government's health reform measures have been given the thumbs up. However, charity groups argue the government has turned a blind eye to key areas of healthcare that are currently overlooked.

Major Brad Halse from the Salvation army says the government has "missed the boat" on increasing funding for mental health. Major Halse says many disadvantaged people seeking help from his organisation have some kind of mental illness, and more money needs to be pumped into this area in order to see changes. His comments have been reiterated by independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who says there is not enough of an emphasis on mental health and preventative care, despite the health funding boost.

Claire Martin from the Australian Council of Social Services says the budget has failed to address the millions of Australians who are unable to afford dental care.

Likewise, Dr Nola Maxfield from the Rural Doctors Association of Australia is scathing on the lack of funding to try and close the gap between rural and urban health services.

Head of Seniors Australia, Michael O'Neill, has praised the government's approach to training nurses to deal with older patients, however, has called their approach to dealing with a greying population "piece-meal".

The government's growth forecast has drawn applause from retail and industry groups, but the same groups are sceptical on the Resources Profit Super Tax.

Heather Ridout, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group has given the company tax cut the thumbs up, as well as interest rate cuts on savings.

Katie Lahey, head of the Business Council of Australia has questioned the mining tax, saying it "puts investment at risk". "If the resources boom falters the budget will collapse" she warns.

Green groups have slammed the budget, despite the government putting climate change forward as one of the major challenges of the future.

Don Henry from the Australian Conservation Foundation says the budget does not deliver on green issues, and the funding offered for renewable energies is "a drop in the ocean". He has accused the government of giving tax breaks to big polluters. He says there has been a "failure of leadership on climate action and the environment" by both the government and the opposition.

That's a sentiment echoed by Anna Maria Arabia from the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies. She says: "This budget is a victory for those who have their heads in the sand on climate change".

Family First Senator Steve Fielding goes one step further, likening the budget with Melbourne gangland figures, saying it's all "smiles on the outside" but has its dark bits. He has criticised the Prime Minister's decision to announce public service cuts, but add an extra 86 staff members to his entourage.