For instance – there was a failure to really attack the major benefits to wealthy businesses and superannuants, which will continue to eat away at the budget bottom line. 

The reply was better than the budget, as in previous years.”

David Blanch (Dairy Farmer and Small Business Owner)

THE budget itself was good in that it addressed small business issues such as tax concessions. 

Small businesses employ a large proportion of the working population, and therefore it is wise to give small businesses a kick start. 

Another good thing to see was drought assistance concessions, though there still needs to be more. The Government needs to be tougher with the banks and to rein them in a bit.”

Ernie Abeysekera (Small Business Owner)

"Retirees, of which there are quite a few in Gloucester, will be heavily impacted by this budget.  

Also, by offering $20,000 capital investment to small business owners, the government is trying to stimulate small business spending, whereby the benefit may not occur for another 12 months. 

It doesn't offer a cash flow benefit in the immediate future. If the government could stimulate the spending power of the general public, then that would lead to a greater benefit all round.

In his reply, Bill Shorten should have offered to support the government at least a little instead of being totally adversorial."