Govt payment of $950...is it going through or will the opposition block it?

[Inanna]

THE Federal Government will reintroduce legislation advancing its $42 billion economic stimulus package this afternoon after it was rejected by the Senate, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told Parliament.
The Senate voted down the Government's legislation, implementing the package, after independent senator Nick Xenophon voted with the Coalition.

The Australian Greens and Family First's Steve Fielding voted with the Government, tying the vote at 35-35.

Mr Rudd said his Government would not be deterred from taking "whatever action is necessary" in the national economic interest.

"For those reasons I formally notify the house that later today legislation will be reintroduced to advance this nation's national economic interest at a time of global economic crisis," he said.

Mr Rudd highlighted the wide range of groups which supported the need for stimulus during this time of financial crisis, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, the International Monetary Fund and the Business Council of Australia.

"This crisis now affects Australia fundamentally," he said.
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Voters punish Turnbull over handouts
NEWS.com.au, 9 Feb 2009
Rudd presses Turnbull to end impasse
The Australian, 6 Feb 2009

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said the prime minister had treated the Parliament with "disingenuous contempt".

The Government refused to negotiate with the Opposition on a more balanced package, Mr Turnbull said, and that was why the vote failed.

"He (Rudd) has said there is no alternative to this proposal, and yet we all know ... not one of us is the repository of all wisdom on this or any other issue," Mr Turnbull told Parliament.

Instead Mr Rudd chose to present a package that would just saddle Australians with debt, Mr Turnbull said.

[BeautifulMadness]

So what does this all mean exactly? in plain boring english for the silly prego women

[Isadora]

As much as $950 would help us out, like most families, I hope it isnt passed. Imagine in the future when we have to pay it back via higher tax rates. No thanks. I know alot of people are struggling, but there are many families in a far worse position, think about the fire victims. If anyone should get some money from the govt it should be them & then at least we know it will go to good use and not blown on material things.

[Inanna]

It means that Government will push it thru.

[Beatrix]

i really think it needs to be passed.. from what i have researched.


I have looked at Nick Xenophon is asking and it is truly enormous.. I think there are btter ways to go about addressing his issues with the murray then holding it over the Australian economies head

[Inanna]

I agree with you Beatrix...

[briggsy's girl]

just want to point out - whether this goes through or not, Rudd has promised uncapped funding for infrastructure in the areas devastated by the Vic fires... nothing to do with the fires funding is, or will be, linked to this stimulus package

essentially this "amendment" is going to be sent back to the house of Reps to be looked at, they'll vote on it, go back to senate and it will be pushed through - there may be some changes to the package, but too hard to know what yet

[BellyBelly]

Me three, I can't believe he's doing it... I understand why he wants it but gees, use this to hold it all to ransom! Not good!