The Wire

The Federal Budget left few unscathed but there is no doubt the greatest burden will be carried by low income earners, the elderly, young people and single parent families. Many families will no longer be elibigle for support payments such as the Family Tax Benefit and pensions will be brought in line with CPI rather than average wage increases. The implementation of co-payments for doctor’s appointments, pharmaceuticals and medical imaging as well as increased costs at the petrol pump will see the number of Australians struggling to make ends meet is certain to increase with social Services and charities to be put further under pressure.