The budget has delivered for small business and the jobless young. But critics say it will hit families and students hard. Scott Morrison’s budget has been called ‘bland,’ ‘not enough’ and the dawn of a ‘class war’.

Rosie Kirby reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Today the Government’s hard-sell began reinforcing a ‘family friendly position’.

Michaelia Cash, LNP Minister: “This is all about families, this is our economic plan for Australia.”

Labor says, that’s a myth.

Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Opposition Leader: “Because they’re losing family tax benefits, they’re losing funding for hospitals and schools, they’re actually worse off.

The budget slashed $2 billion from the higher education sector without explaining just where those cuts will be found.

Union leaders say the Budget’s youth internship program is a “path to nowhere” that exploits young workers.

Doctors aren’t happy with the extended freeze on Medicare rebates.

Prof Brian Owler, AMA President: “That is bad news for Australian patients.”

And economists say, that budget deficit just seems to be a bottomless hole.

John Daley, Grattan Institute: “In terms of budget repair, the horizon just seems to be receding with every year.”

At least the small business lobby seems happy with the Government’s plans to make them more competitive internationally.

Kate Carnell, Small Business Ombudsman: “There’s never been a better time to be in small business.”

And perhaps never a better time to confirm that date in July.

Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister: “This weekend is looking pretty good I would say, yeah.”

Rosie Kirby, QUT News.