Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Budget for millionaires, says Labor

The federal opposition has come out swinging over the budget's tax break for the wealthy and cuts to education.

Labor leader Bill Shorten says the federal budget delivers a tax cut for millionaires and a tax hike for every working Australian.

The government has removed the deficit levy from high-income earners, but will lift the Medicare levy on all workers by 0.5 percentage points in 2019.

At the same time, schools will face a $22 billion easing in funding and the Medicare GP rebate freeze won't come off in its entirety.

"Malcolm Turnbull's budget locks in a $16,000 tax cut for people making $1,000,000 a year, but he's cutting schools and Medicare," Mr Shorten said.

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said the budget failed the jobs test as unemployment was forecast to rise.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

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

The deficit was 10 times bigger than was predicted in the first coalition government budget and growth was down.

"They've changed their tactics, they've changed their rhetoric, but they'll never change their minds," Mr Bowen said.

"Budgets are about choices, and Malcolm Turnbull has made his choices tonight.

"He has chosen big business over middle and working class families. He has chosen multinationals over Medicare. He has chosen big business over battlers."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

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

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world