Today I invite Australian families, individuals, businesses and community groups to submit their ideas and priorities for the 2011-12 Budget.
Despite continued uncertainty in the global economy, Australia is in a strong position. While most other developed countries are facing the aftermath of recession, our nation is now dealing with the challenges of growth. We have strong job creation, record terms of trade and a large pipeline of business investment gearing up.
This means great opportunities for our country and communities right across Australia, but it also brings with it renewed challenges like building the capacity in our workforce and modernising infrastructure to boost productivity. At the same time we need to continue preparing for the big long‑term challenges like climate change and an ageing population.
Community views are a central consideration to the Government in framing its policies, which is why I encourage people to have their say by submitting ideas.
For the 2010-11 Budget, I received around 200 submissions from a broad range of individuals and groups. These provided a real insight into the challenges faced across our nation, and opportunities for the Government to improve the well-being of all Australians.
In order to allow views to feed into the Budget process at an early stage, I ask that interested parties lodge submissions as soon as possible, and no later than Friday, 28 January 2011.
Submissions should be mindful of the Government's strong commitment to its fiscal strategy and the need to offset new spending with savings. While the Budget remains on track to return to surplus in 2012-13, well ahead of any major advanced economy, the Budget must maintain the discipline of the Government's fiscal strategy.
Lengthier submissions should ideally include an executive summary of no more than two pages, and be accompanied by an electronic version, either on disk or CD, or emailed in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format.
Submissions should be forwarded to the address below:
Budget Policy Division
Department of the Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600
Or email to: prebudgetsubs@treasury.gov.au
Contact officer: Russell Campbell (02) 6263 4338