Tag: Wayne Swan

Australian debt may grow beyond $300 billion limit


Australia's debt could breach the government's legislated $300 billion maximum limit this calendar year as the outlook for Australia's resource sector deteriorates. Treasury's senior budget official, Nigel Ray, told the Senate economics committee last week that the debt was expected to rise no further than $290bn in 2013-14, based on the budget forecasts. Although it … Continue reading Australian debt may grow beyond $300 billion limit

Asia-Pacific watching foreign aid in Australia’s budget


Foreign aid spending remains the biggest issue for the Asia-Pacific region in the wake of Tuesday's Australian budget. Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan says he's delivered a sensible, calm and responsible budget, while reporting an $18 billion deficit next financial year. The budget delivers big social benefits for schools and the disabled, but hits foreign aid … Continue reading Asia-Pacific watching foreign aid in Australia’s budget

Australian teachers have a lot to learn


The goal of the "Give a Gonski" campaign is not a revolution; it is a counter-revolution. Its targets are changes taking place in the Coalition states that bring greater autonomy to government schools, devolve more control from bureaucrats to parents and principals, and increase school choice. Victoria's proposals, released last week, to provide every low-income … Continue reading Australian teachers have a lot to learn

Australian republic debate a distraction, says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott


Tony Abbott says Wayne Swan should concentrate on running the economy rather than raising "red herrings" like the republic debate. The Treasurer revived the republican debate in a Fairfax opinion piece today, saying a reflection on cricket's 1930s Bodyline series should hasten the creation of an Australian republic. But the Opposition Leader - an ardent … Continue reading Australian republic debate a distraction, says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott

Australia’s Newstart far from a temporary payment


New figures revealing the average time spent on the dole is two years undermine Wayne Swan's claim that the Newstart allowance is a "temporary payment" between jobs. The figures, released through the Senate estimates process, bolster the case mounted by Labor MPs and the welfare sector to increase the dole on the grounds it is … Continue reading Australia’s Newstart far from a temporary payment