Shorten embraces class warfare in returning fire
BILL Shorten has launched a sweeping attack on Malcolm Turnbull in a comprehensive Budget- in- reply speech that sets the scene for a toxic lead- up to the next election.
In a speech that reveals the Opposition Leader will embrace class warfare, Mr Shorten last night committed $ 22 billion extra in Gonski funding, while revealing he would go after banks, higher income earners and multinationals to pay for promises.
He also pledged that for every major infrastructure project funded by the Commonwealth such as better water security for Townsville that one out of every 10 people employed would be an Australian apprentice.
Mr Shorten also discounted the theory that Treasurer Scott Morrison’s Budget was a Labor Budget. “A Labor Budget would protect penalty rates – not cut them,” he said.
“A Labor Budget would fund schools properly – not rip money away. A Labor Budget would invest in universities – not jack- up fees to discourage working classkids. A Labor Budget would respect pensioners – not tell brickies and nurses to work till they’re 70. A Labor Budget would level the playing field for affordable housing – not protect taxbreaks for property investors.”
Labor would increase the Medicare levy by 0.5 per cent for those earning above $ 87,001 and reinstate the deficit levy for those on high incomes.
He said he would not oppose the Government’s new $ 6.2 billion bank levy but said, “Let me make this clear – if the banks pass on a single dollar of this tax to Australian families – then that should be the end of this Treasurer, this Prime Minister and this Government.”