Another Federal Budget

Another Federal Budget




Well, another Federal Budget has been delivered to the
Australian public.

On 2 April 2019, The Hon Josh Frydenberg delivered his first
Budget as Federal Treasurer.

The good news is that the Budget has forecasted a return to
surplus of around $7.1bn in 2019-20. Australian will earn more than it spends!

With a Federal Election yet to be called, but just weeks
away, the Budget contained some modest hand-outs aimed to get the Morrison
Government re-elected.

Ten million low- and middle-income earners are the winners
as they will receive an immediate tax cut, which is being delivered by way of
an increase in the Low- and Middle-Income Tax Offset (LMITO). The increase will
be available for the next three years and will see the LIMITO more than double,
to $1,080 for Australians with taxable income of between $48,000 and $90,000. A
more modest Offset is available for those on lower incomes, and the Offset cuts
out when taxable income reaches $126,000.

It has been estimated that by 2024, 94% of Australians will
have a marginal tax rate of 30% or less.

By contrast, the top 5% of income earners will pay a third
of all taxes collected.

Australians who receive a range of government income support
benefits will receive a one-off payment of $75 for singles, and $125 for
couples, to help with their energy bills. This payment is planned to be made
before 30 June 2019.

Superannuation was largely untouched in this year’s Budget,
however, from 1 July 2020, people aged 65 and 66 will be able to make super
contributions without having to meet the work test, and the maximum age spouse
contributions can be made is to be extended from 69 to 74.

Infrastructure and health received injections of cash.

Expect to see the skyline silhouetted with cranes. The
Government has announced further significant spending on roads, rails, airports
and the like.

Included in the Budget was an allocation of $500m to get
cars off the roads by building more commuter car parks, thereby encouraging
people to travel by train. For anyone who tries to navigate capital city peak
hour traffic, this will be welcome news.

Small to medium businesses will benefit from the planned
increase in the instant asset write-off for purchases of up to $30,000.

Older Australians have not been ignored with an additional
10,000 aged care home care packages being announced, and a further 13,500
residential aged care places being made available. With the aged care system
being strained with the increasing demand for services and support, this is
welcome news but sadly is nowhere near enough.

Additional funding has also been directed towards the
delivery of primary and frontline health care.

Implementing the Budget announcements will be the next big
challenge for the Government. Legislation will need to be passed in order for
the changes to be implemented. But with the Federal Election likely to be
called within a matter of days, and with only limited Parliamentary sitting
days before then, having the legislation passed is looking even more tricky.

The next couple of months are going to be very interesting
indeed!

1

Share this:

Related

Blog Authors

Complaince & General Disclaimer
Business name and ABN: Emerge Financial Services Pty Ltd 25 758 481 367

Ross Brown is an Authorised Representative (AR: 331056) of Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 234951, ABN 11 074 608 558)

Link to Professional Investment Services

Link to Financial Services Guide

General Advice Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been provided as general advice only. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives and you should seek the assistance of your Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd (PIS) Adviser before you make any decision regarding any products mentioned in this communication. Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither PIS nor its related entities, employees or agents shall be liable on any ground whatsoever with respect to decisions or actions taken as a result of you acting upon such information.