Yesterday the Federal government released its budget, which included another boost to the NDIS as well as new funds for community and support services.
Here’s a brief breakdown of what’s new:
Major Highlights
- $13.2 billion to the NDIS
- $1.9 billion for vaccination rollout which includes extra cash for workers involved in the roll out and a national ad campaign.
- JobTrainer program extended
- Up to $1,080 back in tax for low to middle income earners (people earning between $37,000 and $90,000)
- $354 million for women’s health
- Additional funding for mental health and suicide prevention
What’s in the budget for the NDIS?
The budget invested an extra $13.2 billion in the NDIS, bringing its total extra Federal Government funding to $17.1 billion. The Government is expected to spend $23.3 billion in NDIS supports this financial year, and is projected to reach $32 billion in 2024-25. There’s also an extra $12.3 million to boost the number of disability support workers under the NDIS.
What’s in it for women?
There’s some good news for women too, with nearly a billion dollars in the budget to support victims of family and domestic violence. Additionally, $10.7 million for teaching young people about respectful relationships in schools. A women’s safety package of $1.1 billion, including financial support and emergency accommodation, will be rolled out, with a further $376.2 million for legal support. The government will also provide $20.5 million toward implementing the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report. Nearly $27 million set aside for people living with eating disorders. The Pelvic Pain Foundation will get $5 million to roll out a program on endometriosis for school students, and there’s extra money for breast and ovarian cancer support, too.
For education?
$2 billion being delivered toward early education, allowing universal free access to preschools around the country. Children will receive at least 15 hours a week, beginning from mid-2022. Australian schools will also receive an increase in funding from $13.8 billion in 2014 to $23.4 billion in 2021.
What’s in the budget for health?
$1.5 billion will go to telehealth services and COVID-19 testing as well as outbreak prevention in remote communities. $1.5 billion will go to telehealth services and COVID-19 testing as well as outbreak prevention in remote communities.
For mental health?
The budget includes $2.3 billion for mental health and suicide prevention measures. Headspace will get an extra $278 million over four years, and there’s cash for mental health services for FIFO workers, and to support families who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.The government is setting aside $487 million for 40 new services for people aged 25 and over, called Head to Health.
What’s missing?
- The Arts: only a small spend ($12M) for the arts, targeted at big productions and international films. No extra budget for ABC or SBS.
- Universities: a small spend for universities to create online learning resources for foreign students.
For the very eager among us, here are links to a few more in-depth explainers:
- ABC Budget Explainer
- PWC Budget Insights
- Channel 9 Budget winners and losers
- What’s in it for young people
Until next time,
Bronya Metherall
For the CPActive campaign