Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the shadow Treasurer for his question. Of course, they had a shadow Treasurer even when they had a Treasurer over here. We have one Treasurer, and he's done a fantastic job. The budget has been well received by people who are economically literate. This is what Jennifer Westacott at the Business Council of Australia had to say:

Amid global economic turmoil this budget steadies the ship and sets the groundwork for reform to drive economic growth in the May budget.

This is a cautious and careful budget that avoids making our inflation problem worse.

This is a crucial first step to restoring our budget position and building our national resilience.

We welcome investments to boost productivity and participation through skills, education, childcare and expanding Paid Parental Leave.

We strongly support the government's comprehensive skills package and migration announcement.

It went on and on.

Andrew McKellar, from the ACCI, said this:

Tonight's budget is a responsible one …

This budget covers the essential elements of economic management and tackling growing cost pressures …

As the budget warns, we cannot afford to be complacent against the global headwinds of severe inflationary pressures, climbing interest rates and soaring energy prices.

… … …

Through the Powering Australia plan and funding for new energy infrastructure, the budget provides significant investment to underpin the transition to a net-zero future, that supports new opportunity for industry.

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