A strong economy for all

Last night I was proud to sit behind Treasurer Wayne Swan as he delivered his fourth Budget.

The 2011-12 Budget will get Australia back in black, get more people in jobs and spread the opportunities of the mining boom to more Australians.

Most importantly, the Budget reflects the values of the Gillard Labor Government – we believe in getting more people into work and training them for more rewarding jobs. It means national prosperity can reach more lives, in more corners of our patchwork economy.

That's why the core of this Labor Budget is:

  • a plan to build the more productive workforce our economy needs, including a $3 billion training package, new ways to get people into work, and critical new investments in economic infrastructure;

  • a plan for better schools, hospitals, and health care, including a total of $2.2 billion for mental health services and $1.8 billion for regional health facilities;

  • and cost of living relief for families, investments in a sustainable Australia, and new assistance for small businesses and manufacturers.

This Budget includes $22 billion in savings and ensures we’re on track to deliver a surplus in 2012-13, as we promised.

At the end of his Budget speech Wayne Swan summarised our Government’s views perfectly when he said,

“We believe in the Australian promise that if you work hard, you won't be left behind.

We believe our economy can't afford to waste a single pair of capable hands.

And we believe this Budget, our tax reforms, and our plans for a carbon price, will set Australia up for the prosperous future all our people deserve.”

For more information on the 2011-12 Budget visit www.budget.gov.au