The Australian federal budget changes announced on May 12th had many positive points as well as several negative points that you might have missed if you did not pay close attention and read the details.
Federal Budget 2015
The Bad
On the negative side, the federal budget axed large portions of the money devoted to combating climate change. Abbott’s government has reduced the funding to the Green Army, a group of tree planters that formed part of Abbott’s “Direct Action” policy aimed at reversing climate change.
The taxes collected from “indirect taxation” will really open your eyes when the figures are laid out clearly. GST alone is expected to bring in $54.285 billion while taxes on alcohol will bring in another $5.23 billion along with petrol’s $6 billion and tobacco’s tax revenue of $8.28 billion. Australia’s foreign aid has also been slashed 20%, down to $4.1billion.
African nations in need along with neighboring Indonesia will have their benefits cut the most. Special tax breaks for big families have been taken away to save the government $177.3 million. Some art programs will have their budgets cut entirely or trimmed significantly. FIFO workers will have some travel benefits slashed to close loopholes for those who were taking advantage of the generous tax concessions.
The Good
On the positive side of things, the government is taking the initiative to allow employee share schemes so that employers can attract vital staff with tax incentives on start-up company shares. The Abbott government is making it easier for Australia’s young people to access The Youth Allowance payments.
Small businesses will get a big boost by being able to write off $20,000 of their taxes for every piece of equipment they buy for their business. Shift workers will also get more family help from nannies through a $246 million subsidy.
There were some big changes made to the federal budget in the recent announcement and not all of the news was only positive or negative but together gives a picture as to which way the government is looking to spend or save the tax revenue it receives. Whether or not you agree with the new government’s new changes to the federal budget, it is important to know how it could possibly affect you and your business or family. No matter what side of the politics you are on, it will be interesting to see how these changes to the federal budget will affect the Australian economy.
