You know what? Abbott was right.

Dear NEVILLE,

After delivering a Budget that attacked everyday Australians last year, Prime Minister Abbott said, “you can’t block the Government’s economic action strategy without one of your own”.¹ And you know what, NEVILLE? He was right.

That’s why GetUp members teamed up with the best policy brains in the business to develop a suite of rigorously modelled budget alternatives, built on one principle: A fair go for all Australians. This week, our efforts have paid off.

The Australia Institute’s report on ideas for a Brighter Budget maps out 8 fair revenue raising polices, endorsed by leading economists.² It targets wasteful tax breaks and loopholes for big business and the wealthy — from superannuation tax breaks for the wealthy to fossil fuel subsides for industry — building an irrefutable case for reform.

By fighting back last year, we helped prove that just because the Government puts something in the Budget, doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Now, with the 2015 Federal Budget just one week away, these Brighter Budget policies will be critical in defeating both new and continuing unfairness, including a disastrous $80 billion cut to our schools and hospitals.³

As economic policy is fiercely debated in party rooms and across the media landscape, help lead the charge for a Brighter Budget by getting this report into the halls of Parliament and out in the public arena.

Click here to check out the Brighter Budget report, then send it on to your local MP.

The 2015-16 Federal Budget will be released next Tuesday, but don’t think for a second the story ends there. Our Brighter Budget polices can play a pivotal role in drawing the battle lines for the year ahead.

They give every politician who wants to stand up for the fair go — including the crucial senate crossbench — credible policies to counter the Government’s cuts to our schools, hospitals and essential services. And by providing up to $40 billion per year of revenue alternatives, they demolish any claim by the Government that theirs is the only way.

These next few months will be critical. In July, the Labor Party will set their policy agenda at their national conference and state premiers will enter a special retreat to address the $80 billion in cuts to our schools and hospitals. And from next week, the Abbott Government will be trying to convince the Senate and the voting public of its new Budget, following last year’s fiasco.

The storm we create now in politicians’ offices, and in media rooms around the country, can set the tone for the year ahead – not to mention the 2016 Federal Election. Will you stand up for a fairer future by getting this report into the office of your local MP, and then contacting your local newspaper?

https://www.getup.org.au/brighterbudget

Over the coming months, GetUp members will be on the front foot, leading the debate on fair economic reform. At the same time, we’ll use our policies as viable alternatives to cuts and policy changes that hurt ordinary Australians. There’s no need to agree with every policy in the report. There are more than enough options to unwind the Abbott Government’s harmful cuts and help the Budget bottom line. Just champion the policies that speak most to you.

We’ve got big plans to execute a tried and tested public media campaign to put our progressive vision before Australians – but it all starts here, with you putting it in front of our leaders. Click here to email your MP now.

Thanks for leading the charge,
Mark, Nat, Evan and Georgina, for the GetUp team

PS – The Australia Institute’s report: “It’s the revenue stupid: Ideas for a brighter budget”, was funded by the generous donations of thousands of GetUp members. Thanks to all those who made this policy research possible by stepping up to the difficult task of reform.

Check out the report infographic, below, for a concise summary of 8 key reforms for a brighter, fairer future:

References:
[1] “We will pass reform budget, says Tony Abbott”, The Australian, 4 July 2014
[2] “Budget 2015: $80 billion savings forecasts on health, education still stand, Joe Hockey says”, ABC News, 27 April 2015
[3] “It’s the revenue stupid: Ideas for a brighter budget”, The Australia Institute, May 2015