THE Federal Government’s $42 billion stimulus package it seems, has everyone happy today, with unions, business and even cyclists excited and enthusiastic about what comes next.
Predictably, and in a statement of the bleeding obvious, the big business lobby groups said the Senate’s decision to pass the historic package could not come soon enough, with claims it would improve business confidence and certainty. Disturbingly, data released earlier this week showed business confidence is currently weaker than during the 1990s recession.
“We believe the fiscal package, combined with monetary easing, is the best way to shield the economy from the worst aspects of the economic downturn,” ACCI director of industry policy and economics Greg Evans told reporters in Canberra.
Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said the senators had done the right thing in passing the package, and it would prove timely in lifting consumer and business spending.
“While senators were right to subject such a big package of measures to scrutiny, early passage of the bill was critical in terms of keeping up the momentum behind the announced package, and building on the boost to household and business finances from the recent interest rate cuts,” she said.
The man in the middle of all this was Independent senator Nick Xenophon, a South Australian who is somewhat of a mystery man to most Victorians, but now one of the most powerful men in the nation since July 1.
It was Senator Xenophon who was the final man the Government had to win over to push its package through, and he succeeded in gaining some important last-minute concessions on fast-tracking money for the Murray-Darling Basin.
Also keen to secure more booty for their spheres of interest, the Greens’ push for extra funds included $40 million for bicycle paths, money for heritage concerns and also $300 million for grass roots unemployment programs. ACTU president Sharan Burrow hit the nail on the head when she said we must do everything we can to save jobs and deal with the threat of rising unemployment.
“Working Australians are pleased that Senator Xenophon has decided to support the package,” Ms Burrow said.
Not sure about the non-working Australians though.
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) said the $42 billion was urgently needed for those struggling to keep their homes.
“Among the winners of the economic stimulus package are people struggling with housing costs, children needing better school facilities, and households wanting to reduce their carbon footprint,” council chief executive Clare Martin said.
While the stimulus package breakthrough is big news at the end of a big week of news, the never-ending horror of the Victorian bushfires just keeps rolling on.
The apocalyptic scenes defy belief, the loss of life and the ever-mounting sorrow and loss would be unimaginable save for the fact it is so stark and real.
Many of us suspected Saturday, February 7 would be a terrible day, but no one could have predicted it would be as utterly hellish, as tales of devastation, destruction and death continue to emerge.
While the loss of life and property here in central Victoria was terrible, our community has been able to swing into recovery and rebuilding mode.
But it is the mental rebuilding and community endeavours that are leading the way here. Bricks and mortar will be important, but the massive fundraising drive, the volunteer and support programs and the outpouring of support are vitally important ingredients to any community’s bid to fight back from such adversity and tragedy.
There’s been an incredible response to the large number of appeals and fundraising initiatives launched in the wake of last Saturday’s fires at West Bendigo and Redesdale. Somebody stopped me in the street earlier this week and asked how much money did we need or want to raise to help those most affected by the fires, to which I replied: “As much as we can.”
No amount of money will ever replace what was lost or damaged, but it is vitally important those who want to help, have the opportunity to do so.
Whether that help is offered by donating money, goods and services or even blood, it all counts.
Never before has our community needed so much to be a community. One that looks after its neighbours, offers help where it is needed, and one that says thanks when thanks are deserved.
So Bendigo, keep looking out and keep digging deep. Keep putting your hand up to help. Donate, donate, donate. And thanks to everyone who worked so hard fighting the fires and defending property at the weekend, as well as everyone who has done whatever has been needed these past few days to support the victims of Saturday’s terrifying blazes.
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