The federal government's budget does not prepare Australians for the "inevitable" transition from coal to clean energy, the Greens say.
Newly appointed Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale said this year's budget lacks any long-term vision and fails to reflect the values of the community.
In his budget reply speech to the upper house, the senator said workers who lost their jobs with the closure of coal facilities like the Alcoa power station in Anglesea deserved better.
"Everyone but this government can see this coming," Senator Di Natale said on Thursday.
"If we do not support these workers to prepare for a new future now we are throwing them to the wolves when they lose their jobs without warning."
The 2015 budget also fails to address housing affordability and homelessness and takes Australia further away from a world-class health system, Senator Di Natale, who has practised as a GP, believes.
He says health savings should be made by curbing wasteful spending, rewarding quality in primary care and removing ineffective subsidies.
Senator Di Natale also criticised the government for locking in cuts announced in last year's budget, slashing $11 billion in foreign aid and making young people wait one month to access the dole.
Share
