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Budget savings target the bush
7 Feb 2008
The government has warned that some of its measures to rein in government spending would be unpopular as it targets a budget surplus of $18 billion for the 2008-09 year. Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner, said that the government has a responsibility to make tough decisions in order to put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates. In a total of 45 programs that will be axed over half will affect rural and regional areas. These include a $47.7 million fund for apprenticeships in agriculture and horticulture, more than $100 million in drought assistance, and $16 million allocated to support the ethanol industry. Some of the savings are being achieved by taking back unused funds or low take-up rates for drought relief.
The Australian, 7/2/2008
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