Family guys budget to woo middle Australia

Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg are hoping their budget will be enough to convince middle Australia, who live outside the Canberra bubble, to vote for them.

It's the budget for the family, brought to you by the family guys.

Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg - both footy-loving suburban dads of young children - are hoping their budget will be enough to convince middle Australia, who live outside the Canberra bubble, to vote for them.

With a May federal election expected to be announced within days, the tone of the April 2 budget has been pitched squarely at families.

Funds have been allocated to improve school playgrounds and libraries, while $500 million for commuter car parks and funds to address traffic congestion are aimed at getting "Australians home sooner and safer".

"We know you want to be there for the school drop off, to help the kids with their homework and spend more time together at the dinner table," the treasurer says in his speech.

The government is also aiming its largesse right where it matters - the hip pocket.

Taxpayers earning up to $126,000 a year "including teachers, tradies and nurses" will receive a tax cut.

For a single income family, this means up to $1080 a year, while for families on a dual income, it's up to $2160.

"This is money that could go towards your monthly mortgage payment, your quarterly power bill or your yearly car insurance," Mr Frydenberg said.

Small business owners - one of the mainstays of the Australian economy - also win, with the instant asset write-off increasing from $25,000 to $30,000 and cutting their taxes to 25 per cent.

Kids are also well catered for: money for education, sports, children's health and investment in skills training so they can get jobs in the future, while older Australian - especially those who need care - are looked after.

Most importantly, Mr Morrison and Mr Frydenberg want working Australian families to believe they aren't mucking around with their money.

The treasurer has forecast a $7.1 billion surplus - the first in a dozen years - as proof of its safe economic management.

"We have made the right choices, the difficult but necessary choices and our economic plan is working," he said.

Mr Frydenberg warned that's something Labor could not do.

"Bill Shorten and Labor can't manage money, so they are coming after yours," he told reporters in the lockup.

That's an argument the opposition leader will likely counter when he delivers his budget in reply on Thursday - if the election isn't called before then.


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Source: AAP


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