By political reporter Karen Barlow
Thursday 7 August 2014
Photo: Unhappy with budget: John Madigan (AAP: Alan Porritt)
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Crossbench senator John Madigan has heavily criticised the budget as lacking in "logic, heart, vision, transparency and hope" as he prepares to meet Treasurer Joe Hockey later today.
The talks in Ballarat are part of Mr Hockey's round of crossbench diplomacy efforts to get support for billions of dollars worth of policies and budget measures.
Mr Hockey last night reportedly complained at a conference in Canberra that explaining two decades of Australia's economic challenges was "bloody hard" and he revealed he felt like everyone was against him as he tried to sell economic reform.
In an interview with the ABC, Senator Madigan, who represents the Victorian Democratic Labour Party, said the Treasurer must rethink the budget.
"I have a bit of empathy for Mr Hockey, but what I fear is that Mr Hockey does not have much empathy for anybody else." he said.
The Senator said he had spent months speaking to constituents and experts about the budget.
"This budget, from my perspective and [that of] a lot of other people I have spoken to from various walks of life, is lacking in logic, it is lacking in heart, it is lacking in vision, transparency. It is predominately ideologically driven, short-sighted and it does not offer much hope to people, young or old."
Cost of living hitting us hard
People on welfare payments are facing an even tougher time under the budget, writes Greg Jericho.
Voter support for the Coalition has slumped in the wake of the May budget, which critics have described as unfair.
"There just seems to be a total disconnect between what people out there are experiencing," Senator Madigan said.
"We have got the Earn or Learn slogan, we have got different things, but there is a huge disconnect between the rhetoric and the reality."
The Government is struggling to win crossbench support for a number of controversial budget changes, including plans for a co-payment on doctor visits and moves to increase fuel excise.
Senator Madigan opposes the Government's $5.5 billion Paid Parental Leave scheme and says "we believe in equal assistance, if any, for all mothers".
Senator Madigan say he needs more information about the Government's Direct Action climate change policy.
"I have not heard anybody give a really good explanation of it as yet," he said.
Madigan has costed 'alternatives' to $7 doctor visit fee
He is also against the $7 doctor charge and will be taking alternative options to the Treasurer today "so those with the least means are not kicked in the head."
I have a bit of empathy for Mr Hockey, but what I fear is that Mr Hockey does not have much empathy for anybody else.
Senator John Madigan
"We have done a bit of work on that," Senator Madigan said.
"We have looked at some alternatives to help those people who have go the least means.
"We'll be putting those to the Treasurer and I have been to the parliamentary budget office to have those ideas costed.
"I think - give the man a chance."
Senator Madigan will also be taking the issue of home ownership to the Treasurer, saying negative gearing is "the elephant in the room".
"It is a key tax break that advantages those with the most over those with the least," he says.
A recent Moody's report estimates negative gearing adds 9 per cent, or around $44,000 on average, to current home prices.
Critics also say billions of dollars worth of tax revenue is lost.
Senator Madigan says the current system is hard to justify.
"Why should a person, why should people who have not got a home or who are struggling to buy their first home, subsidise those with five homes? Five properties?" he said.
"I think there needs to be a discussion, a very open and frank discussion for a start."
He says he cannot sell the budget to a lot of his constituents.
"I just cannot understand how they think this is going to float," he said.
"They have not put enough time and effort into increasing revenue. They are taking it from the softest targets in our society.
"I believe the Government has a responsibility to bring down a budget that is responsible and fair and balanced for all Australians, not just for some."
The Treasurer, who says "he'll meet with anyone who is sensible", has held talks with independent Senator Nick Xenophon, Family First Senator Bob Day, the Palmer United Party's Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm.
He is due to meet Motoring Enthusiast Party Senator Ricky Muir tomorrow in Melbourne.
