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It’s the best day of the year – Budget Day is here!
The big ol’ doc won’t be released until 7:30 tonight, but it’s been predicted there will be changes to welfare to stop the system “funding a lifestyle choice”, increasing uni course fees while lowering the HECS repayment threshold, and giving those who earn over $180,000 a tax cut.
In “unrelated” news, the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal yesterday formalised a range of recommendations on the travel rules for politicians after #choppergate.
Some more cynical than myself may say the timing of this announcement is to ensure the Liberal party is seen to be making sacrifices ahead of a budget affecting more vulnerable members of the community…
From July 1, federal politicians will no longer be able to use their travel perks to fly dependent children business class to Canberra. Instead, they will be entitled to fly on full-fare economy tickets from the member’s home city.
The vast majority of politicians are away from home for a minimum of 20 weeks per year, so this amendment is both to prevent travel entitlements no longer “constitute an indulgence” paid for by taxpayers but also ensure MPs can still see their children.
Kate Ellis announced her resignation from politics earlier this year because being away from her son for that length of time “would make [her] absolutely miserable”.
The travel changes will also bring additional benefits for MPs who are new mothers.
At present, MPs who are new mothers and breastfeeding are allowed to bring a spouse or nominated person to Canberra on an economy ticket until their first birthday.
The tribunal has said the existing provisions are restrictive on new mums who need to travel for parliamentary, electorate and official duties away from their support networks.
The controversial life gold pass entitlement, which allowed retired MPs to claim free business class travel, was already axed by Turnbull earlier this year – saving Australian taxpayers $1.5 million per year.
The report which sparked the reforms revealed that in just one year, politicians spent $31.13 million on domestic and overseas travel.
So to recap: politicians can still see their kids but they’ll be crammed into coach with the commoners, the government has realised they need women and new mums in parliament and are trying to make their lives easier, and politicians travel a lot for work.
Can’t wait to see what the budget has to offer.
