Lookups on the Federal Budget 2008 skyrocketed to more than 8000% overnight as the nation turned to the net to find out more about what many have labelled the 'Robin Hood' Budget.
Labor's first Budget in 13 years seems to have shifted wealth away from the rich to alleviate the suffering of the poor.
The $55 billion working families support package is the central feature of Mr Swan's first budget. Forty-seven billion dollars in tax cuts are set to make most workers around $20 a week better off.
The Budget delivered a $ $21.7 billion surplus and set aside $40 billion in tax cuts and another $40 billion for nation building. It's also slashed $33 billion from public spending over the next four years.
About 16,000 high-income families will find they'll miss out on the baby bonus, with the Federal Government means testing the scheme from the beginning of next year.
Although the baby bonus will rise to $5,000 a year from July 1, from 1 January 2009, it will only be available to families with a combined annual income of less than $150,000.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd received high praise from many sectors for the Budget but the Rudd Government still attracted criticism for not exerting maximum downward pressure on inflation and interest rates.
There may have been many good aspects of this Budget for working families but the Rudd Government missed this prime opportunity to take the pressure off interest rates.
This is not an anti-inflationary Budget. Mr Swan hasn't cut government spending sufficiently enough to counter the effect of his $11 billion tax cut from July 1. The Budget has therefore done little to reduce the necessity of raising interest rates.
Little has been done to alleviate petrol prices which have driven inflation. This is a reality which will impact the working poor in the future. Still for now, there's short term gain even if they have to endure long-term pain.
Already folks are checking out the income tax calculator to find out how how much more money they will have in their pocket each week. Our senior citizens were keen to find out what slice of the pie they were entitled to with pensioners typing Federal Budget 2008 pensioners into the Search box but finding no joy.
Pensioners are enraged the Government has left the single aged pension at $273 a week in this week's Budget. Through a pensioner's lobby group they have stated the Federal Government must provide relief for them before next year's Budget.
Australia is a wonder of nature! for holiday and retirement people,
facing East Asia, India, and other Asia pacific investor immigrant.
Low down the immigrant policy doorsil.
I mean, although low price, you sell a lot of houses, you get much more richer!
Or, Buy a house by installment, get 10-year work visa to pay the house, and the government have the overall management rights of the house for ten years!
Huge amount of money and people c
He has perpetuatedthe 'rich' pholosophy.
Well done - you're a prince john at best.
Nathan
When will they be "remembered"?