Australia promised big spending in a deficit-laden budget as the leadership sought to sustain a recovery from a coronavirus-induced recession and win backing from women and older voters with an eye on the next election.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, right, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, in Canberra, March 2021. (File photo) Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Scott Morrison's billions in support and reform programmes for women and aged-care home residents comes amid public anger over his government's handling of sexism and misconduct claims in Canberra, and a public inquiry that revealed widespread abuse in the care home sector.
The deficit will hit a record $A161 billion in the fiscal year ending 30 June 2021 though, as a strong economic rebound improves government finances, that is more than $A50 billion lower than a forecast made in December.
"The economy is coming back. Australia is coming back," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said as he unveiled $A589 billion in spending measures for the fiscal year ending June 2022.
Budget papers showed the deficit is forecast to remain close to $A100 billion in the next two fiscal years. Large deficits are forecast every year until June 2025, the limit of the budget papers' projections, with the debt load rising during that time to reach almost A$1 trillion.
Unemployment rate forecast to drop
The jobless rate is forecast to fall below 5 percent as early as next year, representing a remarkable turnaround from 2020, when measures to contain Covid-19 shut down swathes of the economy.
The quicker-than-expected pick-up in activity means the government is pulling in more tax receipts and making less welfare payments than had been previously forecast, giving it capacity to spend ahead of an election due in the next 12 months.
It is also enjoying a resurgence in Australia's terms of trade due to a soaring iron ore price driven in part by stronger-than-expected demand from China even as the two trading partners endure a period of strained diplomatic relations.
S&P Global Ratings said the signs of upturn were offset by risk factors including Covid-19 and trade and political tensions, which meant it would maintain a negative outlook on Australia's prized AAA rating.
'Women's Budget Statement'
Several budget measures, including the extension of a tax rebate for more than 10 million low- and middle-income earners, measures are focused on key election issues.
Polls have shown Morrison's approval rating has fallen amid anger over the government's handling of allegations of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in parliament.
The government released a separate "Women's Budget Statement" including measures designed to support women leaving violent relationships.
It also pledged to increase childcare subsidies through a A$1.7 billion investment. The spending targets families with more than one child in daycare, giving more parents, especially women, the choice to take on extra work, Frydenberg said.
Aged care
Additional funding was also set aside to reform the aged-care homes sector.
An inquiry into care homes found that one-in-three people experienced substandard care, including neglect and physical or emotional abuse, according to a report released in March.
Concerns over aged care are among the most pressing for voters, ranking second only to the economy, according to polling by Resolve Strategic for broadcaster and publisher Nine Entertainment.
The government has pledged close to $A3.5 billion in Covid-related measures including vaccine procurement and funding for contact tracing and testing facilities.
- Reuters
