Pensioners and families to benefit

GOLD Coast pensioners and families are likely to be the winners in today’s Federal Budget, with city leaders’ wishes for new transport projects and government decentralisation unlikely to be granted.

Treasurer Scott Morrison will deliver a Budget of “security, opportunity and fairness”, with benefits for pensioners and families and boosts to federal police and intelligence services the big-ticket items.

While money for the already announced M1 upgrade is expected to be allocated, new funds for the next stage of light rail is unlikely to be delivered.

Gold Coast small businesses will be hoping a scheme that allowed them to deduct purchases of assets up to $20,000 – due to expire at the end of June – will be extended.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull flagged the possibility of decentralising government departments last month and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has Tourism Australia in his sights.

Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo has dismissed the idea as too expensive.

“Relocating Tourism Australia to our Southport CBD is an obvious move and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce managed it pretty quickly, with the federal agriculture department being relocated to Armidale,” Cr Tate said.