2014 Australian federal budget

none April 2024 October 2017 Australian federal budget 2014–15 Australia Australian federal budget, 2013 2013 Australian federal budget, 2015 2015 Coat of Arms of Australia.svg 250px Abbott government House of Representatives 13 May 2014 44th Liberal/National Coalition Joe Hockey $385.8 billionhttps://archive.budget.gov.au/2014-15/fbo/FBO-2014-15-Consolidated.pdf Final Budget Outcome 2014–15 2205-6769 September 2015 Commonwealth of Australia 1 October 2024 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001055125/https://archive.budget.gov.au/2014-15/fbo/FBO-2014-15-Consolidated.pdf live $417.8 billion $37.9 billion $238.7 billion (net debt) www.budget.gov.au/2014-15/ The 2014 Australian federal budget was the federal budget to fund government services and operations for the 2014/15 financial year. The 2014 budget was the first delivered by the Abbott government, since the Coalition's victory in the 2013 Australian federal election. Treasurer Joe Hockey presented the budget to the House of Representatives on 13 May 2014.http://www.budget.gov.au/2014-15/content/speech/html/speech.htm BUDGET SPEECH 2014‑15 21 January 2016 27 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160127145037/http://www.budget.gov.au/2014-15/content/speech/html/speech.htm live The budget featured significant changes to address a perceived deficit crisis. This included a proposed dramatic downsizing of government bureaucracy, and contained significant changes to welfare, new initiatives for a medical research fund and spending on roads. A budget surplus exceeding 1% of GDP was not expected until 2023.Promise check: Achieve a surplus of 1pc of GDP by 2023 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-27/achieve-a-surplus-of-1pc-of-gdp-by-2023/5602276 ABC News 27 July 2014 22 March 2018 The austere budget faced widespread criticism and was overwhelmingly rejected by the Australian public as reflected in all opinion polls after its release.https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/australians-think-federal-budget-2014-is-the-worst-in-a-very-very-long-time-according-to-this-graphic/news-story/3aede549c1cfe0db6eb3fc205feaba53 Australians think Federal Budget 2014 is the worst in a very, very long time, according to this graphic 6 July 2014 19 May 2014 news.com.au 17 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140717164816/http://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australians-think-federal-budget-2014-is-the-worst-in-a-very-very-long-time-according-to-this-graphic/story-fn84fgcm-1226922778527 live Opposition to "unfair" budget measures came from the opposition and cross-bench, pensioners, economists, the union movement, students and welfare, community and disability groups with some taking to the streets in protest. The budget included changes which were contrary to pre-election commitments and promises made by the Liberals in opposition. Critics argue that every one of the following pre-election commitments made by Tony Abbott were broken in the first budget: "No cuts to education, no cuts to health, no change to pensions, no change to the GST and no cuts to the ABC or SBS."http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-07/abbott-promises-no-cuts-to-education-health/5436224 Tony Abbott promises no cuts to education, health and other areas on the eve of the 2013 federal election: ABC 12 August 2014 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 6 May 2014 13 June 2015 11 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150711232235/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-07/abbott-promises-no-cuts-to-education-health/5436224 live https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/senate-kills-all-savings-in-budget/news-story/5fe066ed24ee393f5aee1273d1d593fc Senate kills all savings in budget David Uren 6 July 2014 10 July 2014 subscription The Australian Echoes of the "dead and buried" Fightback! policy package from the 1993 election occurred with proposals to defer unemployment benefits for six months for under 30s and the removal of 100% GP bulk billing by the introduction of what became known as the "GP Tax", a $7 co-payment on all general practitioner medical appointments. Most of proposals were shelved, dumped or modified in the wake of the significant backlash. The poor reception is viewed as one of the core reasons behind Abbott being replaced as Liberal Party leader and Australian Prime Minister in September 2015, by Malcolm Turnbull, at the September 2015 Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill. This also lead to the dumping of Hockey as Treasurer, with Hockey resigning from Parliament by the end of the year.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-10/federal-government-dumps-gp-co-payment/5955012 The health & medical elements of this budget were also a factor in the 2025 Australian federal election. Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition at the 2025 election, was the Minister for Health during the attempted introduction of the GP Tax, a fact widely publicised and referenced during the election campaign that saw Dutton defeated by Labor in the general election, and for his seat in the House Of Representatives. National Commission of Audit The Abbott government commissioned a National Commission of Audit in October 2013 to recommend measures to reduce government spending.http://www.ncoa.gov.au. https://web.archive.org/web/20200329061007/https://www.ncoa.gov.au/ 29 March 2020 The Commission made 86 recommendations, including a slowing of increases in the age pension, an increase in the retirement age to 70 by 2035 and the inclusion of the family home in new means testing from 2027.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-01/commission-of-audit-report-released-by-federal-government/5423556 Commission of Audit recommends cradle-to-grave cuts in report released by Federal Government Emma Griffiths 9 May 2014 2 May 2014 ABC News 9 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140509032151/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-01/commission-of-audit-report-released-by-federal-government/5423556 live These Commission's recommendations were adopted in the budget.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/budget-2014-first-home-buyers-changes/5453702 ABC news Australian Broadcasting Corporation 14 May 2014 5 July 2014 8 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140708150304/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/budget-2014-first-home-buyers-changes/5453702 live Other controversial recommendations include co-payments of Medicare bulk billing. Forecasts Before the budget's release Treasurer Joe Hockey signalled the budget would contain widespread spending cuts in response to what he described as an unsustainable growth in government expenditure.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-31/joe-hockey-warns-of-wide-ranging-cuts-in-may-budget/5356838 Federal budget: Joe Hockey warns of wide-ranging cuts, says all must do 'heavy lifting' Emma Griffiths 9 May 2014 1 April 2014 ABC News 7 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140507132449/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-31/joe-hockey-warns-of-wide-ranging-cuts-in-may-budget/5356838 live Deficit In August 2013, in a budget update before the forthcoming federal election, the Australian Treasurer under the Second Rudd government forecast a $30.1 billion deficit for 2013–14. In December 2013, the Treasurer (Joe Hockey) under the Abbott government forecast a $47 billion deficit for the same period, due to the new government's decision not to implement savings and revenue measures put forward by the Rudd government before the election, and an unexpected injection of $8 billion into the Reserve Bank.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/hockey-has-promises-to-keep-in-budget-battle-20131025-2w723.html Hockey has promises to keep in budget battle Tom Allard 14 May 2014 26 October 2013 Sydney Morning Herald 3 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203141549/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/hockey-has-promises-to-keep-in-budget-battle-20131025-2w723.html live The four-year forward estimates project a difference of $68 billion. More than half of that difference has been attributed to lower government revenue from taxation.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-06/has-the-government-doubled-the-budget-deficit/5423392 Has the Government doubled the budget deficit? 10 May 2014 6 May 2014 ABC News: FactCheck Australian Broadcasting Corporation A surplus was projected for 2023/24.http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/joe-hockey-to-swing-axe-on-public-sector/story-fnmbxr2t-1226911035265 Joe Hockey to swing axe on public sector David Crowe & David Uren 9 May 2014 9 May 2014 The Australian 9 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140509040706/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/joe-hockey-to-swing-axe-on-public-sector/story-fnmbxr2t-1226911035265 dead The budget recorded a deficit for 2014–15 of $37.9 billion. Revenue Taxation The budget introduced a "deficit levy" of 2% on personal incomes over $180,000,https://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-abbott-governments-2014-federal-budget-20140512-zra3n.html What we know so far about the Abbott government's 2014 federal budget 13 May 2014 12 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514210541/http://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-abbott-governments-2014-federal-budget-20140512-zra3n.html live which was expected to raise around $2.5 billion a year over its duration. Legislation to impose the levy, called the Temporary Budget Repair Levy, was assented to on 25 June 2014,http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2014A00048 Tax Laws Amendment (Temporary Budget Repair Levy) Act 2014 31 December 2014 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001063415/https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2014A00048/2014-06-25/2014-06-25/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html live and commenced on 1 July 2014 and will apply for three years.https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-individuals/Temporary-Budget-Repair-levy/ ATO: Temporary Budget Repair Levy 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231040016/https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-individuals/Temporary-Budget-Repair-levy/ live The corporate tax rate decreased by 1.5% from 1 July 2015 to 28.5% according to this budget. The National Commission of Audit recommended that the Family Tax Benefit Part B be abolished. It will now be means tested to a new threshold of $100,000.https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/nation/pm-spares-family-tax-benefits/news-story/5968c7d3c91abe11f48572aa070af70b PM spares family tax benefits Patricia Karvelas 18 May 2014 13 May 2014 The Australian 13 May 2014 subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20140513113750/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/pm-spares-family-tax-benefits/story-fnmbxr2t-1226915114826 live Families will cease being eligible for the payment when their youngest child turns six.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-ftb-cuts-worth-billions-to-hit-families/5446896 Budget 2014: Family Tax Benefit cuts worth billions to hit families Penny McLintock 18 May 2014 14 May 2014 ABC News 18 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140518092137/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-ftb-cuts-worth-billions-to-hit-families/5446896 live The indexation of the federal fuel excise was reintroduced.http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/budgets-petrol-shock-will-leave-voters-fuming-20140508-zr6v2.html Budget's petrol shock will leave voters fuming Mark Kenny 9 May 2014 8 May 2014 Brisbane Times 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001063410/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/budgets-petrol-shock-will-leave-voters-fuming-20140508-zr6v2.html live The adjustment will be made twice a year and is expected to raise $3.7 billion in its first four years. Indexation had been abandoned in 2001. The change took effect on 10 November 2014, increasing the base rate to 38.6 from 38.14¢ per litre. Fuel taxes in Australia Expenditure In April 2014, Joe Hockey made it clear the budget would see a significant tightening of federal government expenditure which would be felt by all sectors of the community.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/nothing-is-free-joe-hockey-warns-of-budget-pain-with-pensions-in-the-firing-line-20140423-zqyaq.html 'Nothing is free': Joe Hockey warns of budget pain, with pensions in the firing line Mark Kenny 11 May 2014 23 April 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140503090045/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/nothing-is-free-joe-hockey-warns-of-budget-pain-with-pensions-in-the-firing-line-20140423-zqyaq.html live More than three-quarters of the savings in the 2014 budget were the result of cuts to government spending. General government A number of federal government services and approvals will increase in price and new fees will apply including some provided by Austrade and Geoscience Australia.http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/cuts-to-10bn-business-welfare/story-fnmbxr2t-1226912429097?from=google_rss&google_editors_picks=true https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215939/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/cuts-to-10bn-business-welfare/story-fnmbxr2t-1226912429097?from=google_rss&google_editors_picks=true dead 3 March 2016 Cuts to $10bn business welfare David Crowe & David Uren 10 May 2014 10 May 2014 The Australian Funding for foreign aid was frozen leading to a saving of $7.6 billion over five years. Federal politicians and public servants will have their salary frozen for one year. Post retirement benefits for federal politicians are being reigned in. This includes limitations on travel expenses, staffing arrangements and working entitlements.https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/entitlements-for-politicians-on-the-budget-chopping-block/news-story/0d4173cd24700886d0ea347687e6e3d4 Entitlements for politicians on the budget chopping block Lisa Cornish 23 May 2014 14 May 2014 news.com.au 23 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140523032638/http://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/entitlements-for-politicians-on-the-budget-chopping-block/story-fn84fgcm-1226916445013 live 3,000 positions within the Australian Taxation Office will be lost with thousands of staff retrenched from other major federal departments. The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency and the Australian Water Commission were to be abolished. 76 government agencies will be abolished a small number merged or privatised.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-12/dozens-of-agencies-to-fall-under-federal-budget-axe/5445354 Budget 2014: Axe to fall on government agencies in search for savings James Glenday 12 May 2014 12 May 2014 ABC News 11 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140511225101/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-12/dozens-of-agencies-to-fall-under-federal-budget-axe/5445354 live These cutbacks are expected to save $500 million over four years.https://www.news.com.au/national/bloated-bureaucracy-faces-tony-abbotts-razor-in-this-weeks-budget/news-story/68ccf44872e7adc7e69e93e75edfeac4 Bloated bureaucracy faces Tony Abbott's razor in this week's Budget Benson 12 May 2014 12 May 2014 news.com.au 11 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140511211540/http://www.news.com.au/national/bloated-bureaucracy-faces-tony-abbotts-razor-in-this-weeks-budget/story-fncynjr2-1226913896523 live The budget for the CSIRO was reduced by $146.8 million over four years.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-overview/5441510 Landcare and research cuts in Budget Tony Allan 18 May 2014 13 May 2014 ABC Rural Australian Broadcasting Corporation 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517234508/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-overview/5441510 live Social security and welfare "The age of entitlement is over." Speech by federal Treasurer Joe Hockeyhttp://www.joehockey.com/media-files/speeches/ContentPieces/100/download.pdf The End of the Age of Entitlement 17 April 2012 Address to the Institute of Economic Affairs London Joe Hockey 11 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140603013047/http://www.joehockey.com/media-files/speeches/ContentPieces/100/download.pdf 3 June 2014 dead dmy-all 15em right The Newstart Allowance for those seeking work will not be available to people under the age of 25. The unemployed under the age of 30 would not qualify for any payment for six months, after which the Work for the Dole program would be required. If after another six months there is no employment, the six-month cycle of off/on payment starts again. The Schoolkids bonus is to be abolished. A Paid Parental Leave scheme was to have been introduced. The Seniors Health Card will not be eligible to retired couples with more than $1.4 million in assets.http://www.afr.com/p/national/retirees_rush_to_beat_budget_sting_XwQsnPcL5ZDKCfG3skRDnM Retirees rush to beat budget sting 19 May 2014 18 May 2014 Australian Financial Review Fairfax Media 19 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140519063026/http://www.afr.com/p/national/retirees_rush_to_beat_budget_sting_XwQsnPcL5ZDKCfG3skRDnM live The indexation for pensions will be lowered from 2017 onwards, after it is linked to inflation rather than male average earnings.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-22/budget-may-destroy-social-safety-net-acoss-warns/5470184 Billions in budget cuts may 'destroy' social safety net, ACOSS warns Emma Griffiths 23 May 2014 23 May 2014 ABC News 22 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140522150251/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-22/budget-may-destroy-social-safety-net-acoss-warns/5470184 live New funding for the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) ceased on 1 July 2014 with funding for tenanted NRAS properties continuing.https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-businesses/National-Rental-Affordability-Scheme/ National Rental Affordability Scheme 20 June 2014 Australian Taxation Office 5 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151048/https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-businesses/National-Rental-Affordability-Scheme/ 14 July 2014 dead dmy-all The First Home Saver Accounts scheme will be abolished leading to savings of $134.3 million.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/budget-2014-first-home-buyers-changes/5453702 Budget 2014: First home buyers savings scheme axed, funds released to account holders Lexi Metherell 5 July 2014 15 May 2014 ABC News 8 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140708150304/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/budget-2014-first-home-buyers-changes/5453702 live Documents revealed in 2018 showed that the government was considering a social security measure for this budget which would cut off income support entirely for people under 30.Secret documents reveal Abbott's proposal to cut welfare to under-30s http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-29/tony-abbotts-razor-gang-considered-welfare-ban-for-under-30s/9352888 29 January 2018 ABC News 29 January 2018 en-AU 29 January 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180129080708/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-29/tony-abbotts-razor-gang-considered-welfare-ban-for-under-30s/9352888 live Infrastructure, transport and energy The budget allocated significant funding for road infrastructure in western Sydney, including for the WestConnex motorway and for roads to Badgerys Creek Airporthttps://www.news.com.au/national/western-sydney-the-budget-paves-the-road-to-progress/news-story/720063ada243e42c3d90f62e93811245 Western Sydney: The Budget paves the road to progress Andrew Clennell 24 May 2014 14 May 2014 news.com.au 21 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140521214138/http://www.news.com.au/national/western-sydney-the-budget-paves-the-road-to-progress/story-fncynjr2-1226916598265 live as well as significant funding for Melbourne's East West Link. There was also funding for two major road projects in South East Queensland – the final section of the upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway and the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/budget-provides-280-million-for-final-section-of-ipswich-motorway-20140509-zr89c.html Budget provides $280 million for final section of Ipswich Motorway Tony Moore 10 May 2014 9 May 2014 Brisbane Times 11 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140511202837/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/budget-provides-280-million-for-final-section-of-ipswich-motorway-20140509-zr89c.html live The budget reduced government support for renewable energy and climate change-related programs.https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/tony-abbotts-extreme-climate-stance-sets-back-policy-decades-critics-say-20140514-zrcpg.html Tony Abbott's 'extreme' climate stance sets back policy decades, critics say Peter Hannam & Lisa Cox 14 May 2014 14 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514203132/http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/tony-abbotts-extreme-climate-stance-sets-back-policy-decades-critics-say-20140514-zrcpg.html live Education The budget proposed to cut $4.7 billion of funding from higher education over four years. On average, the Commonwealth's contribution to the funding of university degrees was to be cut by 20%.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/16/massive-uni-fees-coalition-adviser-says-fears-over-degree-costs-are-exaggerated Massive uni fees: higher interest rate will hit poorer students, Greens say Daniel Hurst 24 May 2014 16 May 2014 The Guardian 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001062305/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/16/massive-uni-fees-coalition-adviser-says-fears-over-degree-costs-are-exaggerated live From 2016, the interest rate charged on HECS debts, which had been linked to the consumer price index was to be charged at the same rate as government long-term borrowings.http://www.afr.com/p/national/uni_fee_hikes_hard_sell_for_pyne_kfc25T27hjzJWYBXrbntON Uni fee hikes a hard sell for Pyne 17 May 2014 17 May 2014 Australian Financial Review Fairfax Media Publications 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517193218/http://www.afr.com/p/national/uni_fee_hikes_hard_sell_for_pyne_kfc25T27hjzJWYBXrbntON live HECS debts would have to be repaid once an individual's income reaches $50,638.http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/federal-budget/environmental-studies-fees-to-rise-112-per-cent-20140515-38cwf.html Environmental studies fees to rise 112 per cent Matthew Knott 17 May 2014 16 May 2014 Brisbane Times 19 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140519032017/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/federal-budget/environmental-studies-fees-to-rise-112-per-cent-20140515-38cwf.html live Universities were to be able to set their own fees for courses under a new deregulated fee system. Modelling conducted by Universities Australia indicates that the fee to study at an Australian university will on average double in cost.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-04/modelling-warns-of-fee-increase-under-proposed-education-reforms/5498510 Universities Australia modelling warns of fee increase under proposed higher education reforms Emma Alberici 4 June 2014 4 June 2014 ABC News 3 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140603200356/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-04/modelling-warns-of-fee-increase-under-proposed-education-reforms/5498510 live $245.3 million was to be spent on continuing the school chaplaincy program over four years.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/education-union-blasts-245m-budget-funding-for-school-chaplains-20140514-zrcs5.html Education union blasts $245m budget funding for school chaplains Daniella Miletic 24 May 2014 14 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 18 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140518060958/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/education-union-blasts-245m-budget-funding-for-school-chaplains-20140514-zrcs5.html live Tertiary education fees in Australia Defence Before the budget was released the Abbott government announced Australia's biggest ever military purchase of 58 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II which were to be delivered in 2018.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-to-buy-58-joint-strike-fighters-20140422-zqxvr.html Australia to buy 58 Joint Strike Fighters David Wroe & Mark Kenny 18 May 2014 22 April 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 11 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140511230631/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-to-buy-58-joint-strike-fighters-20140422-zqxvr.html live Health A controversial $7 co-payment to see a bulk billing doctor, receive x-rays and get a blood test was proposed to save $3.4 billion over five years, however $5 of it will go toward medical research.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/federal-budget-2014-townsville-family-worse-off-with-medicare/5452084?section=qld Budget 2014: GP co-payment, family tax benefit changes to hit Townsville family hard Allyson Horn 14 May 2014 14 May 2014 ABC News 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001063406/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-14/federal-budget-2014-townsville-family-worse-off-with-medicare/5452084?section=qld live All 61 Medicare Locals—organisations established to plan and fund extra health services—are going to close. The Senate blocked passage of the medical co-payment, but approved the establishment of the Medical Research Future Fund in August 2015, with funding to be found through reduced health spending and the Health and Hospitals Fund, until a balance of $20bn is reached in 2020.Medical Research Future Fund finally gets Senate approval 13 August 2015 The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/medical-research-future-fund-finally-gets-senate-approval/news-story/46a3f999800a5cfdc0b531bdd013b9f8 https://web.archive.org/web/20160428001814/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/medical-research-future-fund-finally-gets-senate-approval/news-story/46a3f999800a5cfdc0b531bdd013b9f8 live 28 April 2016 Community services and culture Funding for the ABC and SBS was cut by 1% leading to costs savings of $43.5 million.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-abc-sbs-funding-cut-ausnet-contract-cancelled/5450932 Budget 2014: ABC, SBS funding cut, Australia Network contract cancelled 23 May 2014 14 May 2014 ABC News 22 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140522165958/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-abc-sbs-funding-cut-ausnet-contract-cancelled/5450932 live This is despite repeated comments by the Abbott government that funding to the ABC would not be cut, which Abbott later said he regretted.Abbott regrets 'no cuts' ABC pledge The New Daily https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2014/11/25/abbott-regrets-cuts-abc-pledge/ 24 May 2018 The New Daily 25 November 2014 The ABC's contract to operate the Australia Network was cancelled after its first year of a 10-year contract. The Australia Council for the Arts had its funding cut by around $30 million.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/tony-abbott-says-arts-funding-narrowly-escaped-further-cuts/5475632 Arts funding narrowly escaped further budget cuts, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says 24 May 2014 24 May 2014 ABC News 24 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140524073134/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/tony-abbott-says-arts-funding-narrowly-escaped-further-cuts/5475632 live Screen Australia lost $38 million over four years.https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/everything-under-review-as-screen-australia-hit-by-38m-in-cuts/news-story/ea5ecb499f05584233ba44b3ff5f1bc8 Everything under review as Screen Australia hit by $38 million in cuts Michael Bodey 24 May 2014 13 May 2014 The Australian 26 May 2014 subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20140526043656/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/everything-under-review-as-screen-australia-hit-by-38m-in-cuts/story-e6frg996-1226917440931 live More than 150 programs, grants and activities designed to assist Indigenous Australians are being replaced by five broad-based programs with cuts to funding of $534 million aimed at reducing duplication and waste.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-534-cut-to-indigenous-programs-and-health/5451144 Budget 2014: $534 million cut to Indigenous programs Michael Coggan 24 May 2014 16 May 2014 ABC News 25 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140525050537/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-2014-534-cut-to-indigenous-programs-and-health/5451144 live The next three years of funding to the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has been cancelled. Money was allocated to a school truancy officer program, extra police in remote communities and Indigenous teenage sexual health programs.http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/05/20/4007942.htm Budget: Indigenous Australians among hardest hit Joanne Shoebridge 24 May 2014 22 May 2014 ABC North Coast NSW Australian Broadcasting Corporation 24 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140524121428/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/05/20/4007942.htm live Rural communities are expected to benefit from the introduction of the Green Army. The Green Army aims to provide training and experience in the environmental and heritage conservation fields for the unemployed aged 17–24 years. Funding for community Landcare grants has been reduced and replaced by the establishment of the National Landcare Program.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-landcare/5450818 Questions still to be answered on Landcare's future Anna Vidot 18 May 2014 13 May 2014 ABC Rural Australian Broadcasting Corporation 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517180149/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-13/budget-landcare/5450818 live Science Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is to see its budget cut by $AU114 million, forcing the closure of two historic radio telescopes.https://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/07/28/dish_to_be_emptied_in_budget_crisis_csiro/ Famous 'Dish' radio telescope to be emptied in budget crisis: CSIRO Chirgwin Richard 28 July 2014 The Register 27 July 2014 31 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140731023704/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/07/28/dish_to_be_emptied_in_budget_crisis_csiro live Opposition and crossbench response Opposition leader Bill Shorten has expressed fierce opposition to the doctor co-payments, changes to the pension age and unemployment benefits as well as cuts to state funding and the fuel excise.https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/federal-budget-gives-labor-backs-its-voice-says-bill-shorten/news-story/5744398264f83099bacfe39b485e9eb1 Federal Budget gives Labor backs its voice says Bill Shorten 18 May 2014 18 May 2014 news.com.au 18 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140518195522/http://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget-gives-labor-backs-its-voice-says-bill-shorten/story-fn84fgcm-1226921727387 live Both the ALP and the Australian Greens opposed the move to a deregulated fee structure for university degrees on the basis that the quality of education will likely shift towards a person's capacity to pay. Jenny Macklin criticised changes to welfare for the unemployed saying that "The Prime Minister has completely deserted young Australians looking for work".http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/needy-spared-dole-blitz-others-must-earn-or-learn/story-fnmbxsh3-1226918106393 Needy spared dole blitz, others must earn or learn Patricia Karvelas 18 May 2014 15 May 2014 The Australian 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517162434/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budget-2014/needy-spared-dole-blitz-others-must-earn-or-learn/story-fnmbxsh3-1226918106393 dead Clive Palmer dismissed the government's stated concern over sovereign debt claiming the budget was "based on lies".http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2014/s4004784.htm PUP concerned about pensioners, public servants and ABC Tony Jones 17 May 2014 14 May 2014 Lateline Australian Broadcasting Corporation 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517023333/http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2014/s4004784.htm live Senator Nick Xenophon described the budget as "mean, nasty and dumb".https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/29/tony-abbott-meets-crossbench-senators Tony Abbott begins meeting crossbench senators but not Clive Palmer Lenore Taylor 30 May 2014 29 May 2014 The Guardian 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001063259/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/29/tony-abbott-meets-crossbench-senators live Independent MP Andrew Wilkie implored the opposition and crossbench MPs to go so far as to block supply in his opposition to the budget.http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/independent-mp-andrew-wilkie-calls-on-fellow-members-to-block-supply-over-miserable-budget-20140604-39hz4.html#poll Independent MP Andrew Wilkie calls on fellow members to block supply over 'miserable' budget Lisa Cox 4 June 2014 4 June 2014 Brisbane Times 11 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150411120133/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/independent-mp-andrew-wilkie-calls-on-fellow-members-to-block-supply-over-miserable-budget-20140604-39hz4.html#poll live Following the second rejection of the budget measures by the Senate, Abbott has been challenged by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Clive Palmer to act upon a double dissolution trigger and request Governor-General Peter Cosgrove to dissolve both houses of Parliament or bring in a mini-budget.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/clive-palmer-hits-out-at-failed-budget-calls-for-double-dissolution-20140730-3cuj2.html Clive Palmer hits out at "failed" budget, calls for double dissolution James Massoula 31 July 2014 31 July 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 31 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140731090046/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/clive-palmer-hits-out-at-failed-budget-calls-for-double-dissolution-20140730-3cuj2.html live Critical reception thumb|250px|Protestors at 18 May 2014 anti-budget march in MelbourneZielinski, Caroline: "10,000 gather in the CBD to protest budget cuts" https://web.archive.org/web/20140521214251/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/10000-gather-in-the-cbd-to-protest-budget-cuts-20140518-38i1y.html 21 May 2014 , in The Age, 19 May 2014 Even before the budget was delivered the Reserve Bank of Australia warned that a tightening of fiscal policy combined with a decline in resources construction projects would lead to an increase in the unemployment rate.http://www.watoday.com.au/business/federal-budget/budget-threatens-to-increase-unemployment-20140509-380lw.html Budget threatens to increase unemployment Michael Pascoe 11 May 2014 9 May 2014 Business Day South Africa 1 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241001063302/https://www.watoday.com.au/opinion/budget-threatens-to-increase-unemployment-20140509-380lw.html live Economist Ben Phillips described the budget as "very regressive overall".http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abbott-government-budget-will-hurt-the-poor-20140514-zrctq.html Abbott government budget will hurt the poor Gareth Hutchens 19 May 2014 14 May 2014 Brisbane Times 2 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140602223040/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abbott-government-budget-will-hurt-the-poor-20140514-zrctq.html live Economist Chris Richardson described the budget as the toughest since 1997. Welfare, community and disability groups rallied heavily against the budget.http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/13/fair-go-gone-welfare-budget-cuts Fair go gone with welfare budget cuts: SBS 13 May 2014 14 May 2014 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517122222/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/13/fair-go-gone-welfare-budget-cuts live It was criticised because it places a higher burden on low income earners compared to the more wealthy.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/missing-figures-show-poor-are-hit-20140518-38i05.html 'Missing' figures show poor are hit Peter Martin 19 May 2014 19 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 19 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140519024253/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/missing-figures-show-poor-are-hit-20140518-38i05.html live Analysis by ACOSS revealed the budget will hit low and middle-income households the hardest. Further analysis by the Treasury indicated that the budget would have disproportionately negative impact on low income households compared to wealthier ones.http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2460855/budget-cuts-hit-lowest-income-earners-hardest-says-treasury/?cs=7 Budget cuts hit lowest-income earners hardest, says Treasury Tom Allard, Peter Martin 3 August 2014 3 August 2014 Goulburn Post 24 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023331/http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2460855/budget-cuts-hit-lowest-income-earners-hardest-says-treasury/?cs=7 live Chief Executive of the Council on the Ageing Ian Yates criticised changes to pension index arrangements claiming they would result in more pensioners falling below the poverty line.https://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2014-labor-says-budget-built-on-tony-abbotts-act-of-mass-deceit-at-last-election-20140513-3883h.html Federal budget 2014: Labor says budget built on Tony Abbott's 'act of mass deceit at last election' James Massola, Marija Taflaga 12 June 2014 13 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald 16 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140616200552/http://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2014-labor-says-budget-built-on-tony-abbotts-act-of-mass-deceit-at-last-election-20140513-3883h.html live ACOSS was also highly critical of the cessation of payments for the first six months to unemployed people under 30. David Gonski criticised plans to limit school funding to CPI increases rather than a needs based funding model after 2017.http://www.afr.com/p/national/gonski_attacks_budget_education_DUpn3XBOPugDc6QxYuFTyN Gonski attacks budget education cuts Tim Dodd 23 May 2014 21 May 2014 The Australian Financial Review Fairfax Media Publications 23 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140523034526/http://www.afr.com/p/national/gonski_attacks_budget_education_DUpn3XBOPugDc6QxYuFTyN live The Australian Education Union criticised funding for chaplains in school saying the money could be spent on students with disabilities. One of the strongest criticisms of the budget is that it breaks numerous pre-election promises.https://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/then-and-now-the-abbott-governments-broken-promises-20140514-zrcfr.html Then and now: the Abbott government's broken promises 14 May 2014 14 May 2014 The Sydney Morning Herald In response to a loss in funding for hospitals and schools, premiers and chief ministers attended an emergency meeting in Sydney to discuss their response.http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2014/05/17/baird-to-host-crisis-budget-talks.html Baird to host crisis budget talks 17 May 2014 17 May 2014 skynews.com.au 17 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151438/http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2014/05/17/baird-to-host-crisis-budget-talks.html live Post-budget polls revealed a large decline in support for the government, with the opposition opening up various leads on the primary and two-party vote, better prime minister, and net satisfaction ratings. It was recorded as the worst-received Australian federal budget in polling history.https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/john-howard-took-a-big-hit-in-the-polls-too-after-first-budget-er-no-mr-abbott-20140519-38j8c.html John Howard 'took a big hit in the polls too' after first budget? Er, no Mr Abbott: SMH 19 May 2014 19 May 2014 20 February 2020 27 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171027030153/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/john-howard-took-a-big-hit-in-the-polls-too-after-first-budget-er-no-mr-abbott-20140519-38j8c.html live http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/australians-think-federal-budget-2014-is-the-worst-in-a-very-very-long-time-according-to-this-graphic/story-fni0cqcu-1226922778527 Australians think Federal Budget 2014 is the worst in a very, very long time, according to this graphic Daniel Piotrowski 19 May 2014 19 May 2014 Herald Sun News Limited Following the March in March protests two months earlier, on 18 May 2014 "tens of thousands" marched in capital cities protesting against the budget.McCallum, N. and Cherebedova, M.: "Tens of thousands demonstrate for March in May" https://web.archive.org/web/20140521111225/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/05/18/15/27/thousands-protest-during-march-in-may 21 May 2014 , 9 News, 18 May 2014"March in May rallies: Thousands gather to protest against federal budget" https://web.archive.org/web/20140521054142/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-18/march-in-may-rallies-thousands-gather-to-protest-against-budget/5460482 21 May 2014 , ABC, 19 May 2014 A protest march organised by the Victorian Trades Hall Council attracted around 10,000 union members nearly a month after the budget was delivered.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-12/union-members-protest-in-melbourne-against--budget-cuts/5518260 Union members protest against 'unjust' budget cuts in Melbourne CBD march 12 June 2014 12 June 2014 ABC News 12 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140612084941/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-12/union-members-protest-in-melbourne-against--budget-cuts/5518260 live In July, 20,000 people were estimated to have marched in the "Bust the Budget" rally in Melbourne against the unfairness and inequity of the 2014 budget."Bust the Budget Rally", Sydney Morning Herald 7 July 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014 http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/federal-politics/bust-the-budget-rally-20140706-3bgd3.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140709081116/http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/federal-politics/bust-the-budget-rally-20140706-3bgd3.html? 9 July 2014 Concurrent marches were held in Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle and many other centres across the country. See also Australia Economy of Australia References 2 External links http://www.budget.gov.au/2014-15/ Winners and Losers of the 2014 budget: ABC Federal budget Category:Australian budgets Australian federal budget Category:Abbott government Category:2014 in Australian law Category:May 2014 in Australia