Labor wants spending to save jobs

Bill Shorten at a panel discussion at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra. Picture: Smith Kym Source: News Limited

LABOR is today campaigning for the preservation of its $4 billion superannuation tax cut for low income earners as stark differences with the Coalition emerge over how to manage spending.

The Government is warning that abolition of the retirement savings assistance would hurt shop workers, check-out chicks and unskilled kitchen staff the most.

The Government and the Opposition agree that money will be tight for the May 14 Budget, but Labor wants deficit spending to save jobs and the Coalition wants savage spending cuts and removal of big programs such as carbon pricing.

The debate centres on what Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday called a $7.5 billion sledgehammer blow to federal finances caused by the high Australian dollar and a fall in exports.

One of the casualties of a Coalition government would be the 15 per cent tax break for the superannuation accounts of workers on $37,000 a year and less.

Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten today released new research showing 218,850 retail workers would suffer if the Government's 15 per cent tax break for those earning $37,000 a year or less was abolished.

They would be followed by 145,999 checkout operators and 93,495 kitchen hands. These were the top three occupations, in numbers of workers, benefitting from the tax relief.

The tax cut affecting a total of 3.6 million workers saving for retirement began last July but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday confirmed a Coalition government would abolish it because it was to be funded by the mining tax, which would be repealed.

"So sure, the current government is making great play of what it says is our attack on low income earners' superannuation," Mr Abbott told Sky News yesterday.

"But we said from the beginning – we were upfront and honest before an election about this – if it can't be funded, it can't be paid..."

He accused the Government of "mortgaging the future to try to buy votes": "There are lots of promises that the current government will make going into the election that the Coalition simply won't match."

Superannuation Minister Shorten said: "I'd rather see a $500 boost to the super account of a kitchen hand or a checkout operator or a farm hand than into Tony Abbott's pocket."

He said: "I'm talking about mums working part-time while they care for young kids being hit with a $500 tax bill for contributing to her superannuation. That's not fair or smart.

"Women are already retiring with less because of the disparity in their pay compared to men, as well as the time they take out of the workforce to raise their children.

"Let's not make that situation worse, let's try to address it."

Other workers most affected by the superannuation tax cut include 89,722 in the hospitality industry, 83,167 cleaners and laundry staff, 57,696 receptionists, and 46,703 general clerks.

Mr Abbott said the Coalition would not be making big spending promises and said Australia was experiencing "a time of great fiscal stringency".

And he was backed up by Treasurer Wayne Swan who told ABC TV that the combination of the Australian dollar's high exchange rate and the fall in revenue from exports had reduced Government revenue.

"And as a consequence of that, that's caused a hit, if you like, a sledgehammer to revenues in the budget since the mid-year update of something like $7.5 billion," said Mr Swan.

"And of course the impact won't just be in this financial year, it will also be across the (four year) forward estimates.

"This is one of the reasons why I made the point at the end of last year that we were unlikely to return to surplus in 2012-13 because of this hit, if you like, to revenue from the high dollar and, of course, the lower terms of trade."

The Treasurer said there would not be "savage cuts across the Budget" to make up for the lost revenue because that would cost jobs.

"So our approach is very clear - in this budget we will support jobs and growth, we'll make the smart investments for the future and we'll do that within the context of a responsible medium-term fiscal policy," he said.

View the original article here

Will.i.am wants Opera House album

Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am says he hopes to record an orchestra album in Sydney. Source: Supplied

• Says he enjoys performing and appearing on TV talent shows
• Will tour #willpower with a new kind of live show
• Wants to record an orchestra album at the Sydney Opera House

AMERICAN hitmaker will.i.am calls it the TV Show Tour, where artists, coaches, judges and mentors get to showcase their wares on the top-rating small screen talent quests.

Back in Australia to spruik his solo album #willpower, the Black Eyed Peas creative controller will perform his chart-topper #thatpower on tomorrow night's first results episode of The Voice.

CATCH ALL THE ACTION FROM TONIGHT'S SHOW WITH OUR LIVE BLOG FROM 7PM AEST:

"You know what I think is cool? It gives artists a new venue. You play the Sydney Opera House, I played the Big Day Out, now I'm touring The Voice. It's a new tour, just touring all the countries' Voices," he said, laughing.

"Check this out, I mentored on (American) Idol last year, I did the coaches' house visit on X Factor, I've done the Voice and I did Idol again last week. I tour TV. I tour the tube."

Will.i.am is a coach on the British franchise of The Voice which is running concurrently with the Australian series. He was originally approached to join our series.

He laughed at the suggestion it might be awkward performing a song in front of the Australian coaches.

"I am going to be looking at Seal like, you know you are the Australian me, right? And I'm the UK you, right? And Usher is the American us, right?" he said.

"Then (Black Eyed Peas member) Apl, my best friend, he's doin the Filipino Voice.

"I'm tellin' Seal, 'I'm coming for your chair next'."

The producer, singer, rapper and brand man said the orchestral themes running through #willpower will inspire his next solo record.

will.i.am is a regular visitor to Australia since 2001 and credited his nightclubbing experiences here while working on Wolverine for inspiring the dance-heavy sound of the Black Eyed Peas record The End.

Now he wants to return with a grander plan.

"I would like to do an orchestra album and record the whole record here at the Sydney Opera House," he said.

"Let's work it all out somewhere, know your repertoire, what you are going to be recording, know all the parts and pieces, do all the rehearsals and then you record it all in one place. And you invite people to come.

"What else is there to do? Everything is in a computer now and don't mind, I like computer beats but I think there is a thirst for the human."

He promises he will tour #willpower - not just on TV shows - but wants to invent a new way of playing live.

And he still has to executive produce the new record from Britney Spears, who guests on his No.1 hit Scream And Shout.

"I want to tour, I want to tour here in Australia, but I want to put in the same effort I did with making the record and come up with something different," he said.

"I don't want it to look like 'Where are the other guys at?"'

Will.i.am performs on The Voice on Tuesday.

View the original article here

Labor wants spending to save jobs

Bill Shorten at a panel discussion at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra. Picture: Smith Kym Source: News Limited

LABOR is today campaigning for the preservation of its $4 billion superannuation tax cut for low income earners as stark differences with the Coalition emerge over how to manage spending.

The Government is warning that abolition of the retirement savings assistance would hurt shop workers, check-out chicks and unskilled kitchen staff the most.

The Government and the Opposition agree that money will be tight for the May 14 Budget, but Labor wants deficit spending to save jobs and the Coalition wants savage spending cuts and removal of big programs such as carbon pricing.

The debate centres on what Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday called a $7.5 billion sledgehammer blow to federal finances caused by the high Australian dollar and a fall in exports.

One of the casualties of a Coalition government would be the 15 per cent tax break for the superannuation accounts of workers on $37,000 a year and less.

Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten today released new research showing 218,850 retail workers would suffer if the Government's 15 per cent tax break for those earning $37,000 a year or less was abolished.

They would be followed by 145,999 checkout operators and 93,495 kitchen hands. These were the top three occupations, in numbers of workers, benefitting from the tax relief.

The tax cut affecting a total of 3.6 million workers saving for retirement began last July but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday confirmed a Coalition government would abolish it because it was to be funded by the mining tax, which would be repealed.

"So sure, the current government is making great play of what it says is our attack on low income earners' superannuation," Mr Abbott told Sky News yesterday.

"But we said from the beginning – we were upfront and honest before an election about this – if it can't be funded, it can't be paid..."

He accused the Government of "mortgaging the future to try to buy votes": "There are lots of promises that the current government will make going into the election that the Coalition simply won't match."

Superannuation Minister Shorten said: "I'd rather see a $500 boost to the super account of a kitchen hand or a checkout operator or a farm hand than into Tony Abbott's pocket."

He said: "I'm talking about mums working part-time while they care for young kids being hit with a $500 tax bill for contributing to her superannuation. That's not fair or smart.

"Women are already retiring with less because of the disparity in their pay compared to men, as well as the time they take out of the workforce to raise their children.

"Let's not make that situation worse, let's try to address it."

Other workers most affected by the superannuation tax cut include 89,722 in the hospitality industry, 83,167 cleaners and laundry staff, 57,696 receptionists, and 46,703 general clerks.

Mr Abbott said the Coalition would not be making big spending promises and said Australia was experiencing "a time of great fiscal stringency".

And he was backed up by Treasurer Wayne Swan who told ABC TV that the combination of the Australian dollar's high exchange rate and the fall in revenue from exports had reduced Government revenue.

"And as a consequence of that, that's caused a hit, if you like, a sledgehammer to revenues in the budget since the mid-year update of something like $7.5 billion," said Mr Swan.

"And of course the impact won't just be in this financial year, it will also be across the (four year) forward estimates.

"This is one of the reasons why I made the point at the end of last year that we were unlikely to return to surplus in 2012-13 because of this hit, if you like, to revenue from the high dollar and, of course, the lower terms of trade."

The Treasurer said there would not be "savage cuts across the Budget" to make up for the lost revenue because that would cost jobs.

"So our approach is very clear - in this budget we will support jobs and growth, we'll make the smart investments for the future and we'll do that within the context of a responsible medium-term fiscal policy," he said.

View the original article here

Labor wants spending to save jobs

Bill Shorten at a panel discussion at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra. Picture: Smith Kym Source: News Limited

LABOR is today campaigning for the preservation of its $4 billion superannuation tax cut for low income earners as stark differences with the Coalition emerge over how to manage spending.

The Government is warning that abolition of the retirement savings assistance would hurt shop workers, check-out chicks and unskilled kitchen staff the most.

The Government and the Opposition agree that money will be tight for the May 14 Budget, but Labor wants deficit spending to save jobs and the Coalition wants savage spending cuts and removal of big programs such as carbon pricing.

The debate centres on what Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday called a $7.5 billion sledgehammer blow to federal finances caused by the high Australian dollar and a fall in exports.

One of the casualties of a Coalition government would be the 15 per cent tax break for the superannuation accounts of workers on $37,000 a year and less.

Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten today released new research showing 218,850 retail workers would suffer if the Government's 15 per cent tax break for those earning $37,000 a year or less was abolished.

They would be followed by 145,999 checkout operators and 93,495 kitchen hands. These were the top three occupations, in numbers of workers, benefitting from the tax relief.

The tax cut affecting a total of 3.6 million workers saving for retirement began last July but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday confirmed a Coalition government would abolish it because it was to be funded by the mining tax, which would be repealed.

"So sure, the current government is making great play of what it says is our attack on low income earners' superannuation," Mr Abbott told Sky News yesterday.

"But we said from the beginning – we were upfront and honest before an election about this – if it can't be funded, it can't be paid..."

He accused the Government of "mortgaging the future to try to buy votes": "There are lots of promises that the current government will make going into the election that the Coalition simply won't match."

Superannuation Minister Shorten said: "I'd rather see a $500 boost to the super account of a kitchen hand or a checkout operator or a farm hand than into Tony Abbott's pocket."

He said: "I'm talking about mums working part-time while they care for young kids being hit with a $500 tax bill for contributing to her superannuation. That's not fair or smart.

"Women are already retiring with less because of the disparity in their pay compared to men, as well as the time they take out of the workforce to raise their children.

"Let's not make that situation worse, let's try to address it."

Other workers most affected by the superannuation tax cut include 89,722 in the hospitality industry, 83,167 cleaners and laundry staff, 57,696 receptionists, and 46,703 general clerks.

Mr Abbott said the Coalition would not be making big spending promises and said Australia was experiencing "a time of great fiscal stringency".

And he was backed up by Treasurer Wayne Swan who told ABC TV that the combination of the Australian dollar's high exchange rate and the fall in revenue from exports had reduced Government revenue.

"And as a consequence of that, that's caused a hit, if you like, a sledgehammer to revenues in the budget since the mid-year update of something like $7.5 billion," said Mr Swan.

"And of course the impact won't just be in this financial year, it will also be across the (four year) forward estimates.

"This is one of the reasons why I made the point at the end of last year that we were unlikely to return to surplus in 2012-13 because of this hit, if you like, to revenue from the high dollar and, of course, the lower terms of trade."

The Treasurer said there would not be "savage cuts across the Budget" to make up for the lost revenue because that would cost jobs.

"So our approach is very clear - in this budget we will support jobs and growth, we'll make the smart investments for the future and we'll do that within the context of a responsible medium-term fiscal policy," he said.

View the original article here

What Geri Halliwell wants in a man

Geri Halliwell is heading Down Under for Australia's Got Talent. Source: Supplied

WANTED: a nice local bloke for Ginger Spice and Australia's Got Talent judge, Geri Halliwell - and the Sydney Swans, she has her sights set on you.

After signing up to replace Mel B on Channel 9's upcoming re-boot of the star search franchise, the sassy Brit has revealed what she'll be looking for when it comes to available talent of the bachelor kind.

True to her self-deprecating form, the unlucky-in-love pop star quipped her perfect man should have ''a pulse for a start,'' before launching into a list of what characteristics would win this single mum's heart.

''I do like funny and a beautiful heart. I quite like a bit of height. Hair, I like hair. I like hair on the head. A little bit on the chest, but not too much,'' she said, adding ''but it's not a deal breaker for me.''

Men with ''good eyes'' and ''healthy rather than vain'' types will also get the nod from Halliwell, who will fly to Australia to begin filming the FremantleMedia series later this month.

Already madly researching her ''chance of a lifetime'' working holiday, the 41-year-old confirmed she will bring daughter Bluebell, 8, with her with the two busy plotting their Aussie adventure together.

''She is so excited. We're both into nature and the outdoors, so I want to go mono-skiing (water-skiing with a single ski) on the Nepean River (in NSW). Taronga Zoo's also on the list and I wouldn't mind going to a football match, if you lot will teach me.''

Briefed on her choice of footy codes, the Sydney Swans met with Halliwell's approval (''I like that, it sounds masculine with a little touch of femininity, that's nice'').

Googling the team while continuing the phone interview, from her London home, what she discovered clearly impressed, with Halliwell exclaiming: ''oh yes, you have to introduce me to them.''

The frisky singer said while the opportunity to take up her latest TV role came after Mel B was forced to honour her contract with Channel 7's The X Factor, their friendship has been strengthened by it.

''I just need to tell Australia and the whole world that Melanie Janine Brown Belafonte is a wonderful person. Obviously she would have loved to do it, she's great. Super funny, super talented but for business reasons she was unable to do it. Instead of moping about it, she picked up the phone to me and said 'Geri, I can't do it but I would love you to do it. In fact, I've spoken to the producers and put in a good word for you.' Isn't that a beautiful, lovely, gorgeous thing to do? She is a real sista, who's really got my back . . . I was overwhelmed by that.''

Halliwell said she was a fan of the Got Talent format which gave ''people with raw talent a chance.''

She admired the daring of those who audition and said ''I must be Australian because my favourite expression is 'just have a go'. Go for it, we'll all root for you, brilliant.''

Channel 9 is yet to announce a start date for the show, but it's likely to follow The Voice and go up against Channel 7's X Factor.

View the original article here

Labor wants spending to save jobs

Bill Shorten at a panel discussion at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra. Picture: Smith Kym Source: News Limited

LABOR is today campaigning for the preservation of its $4 billion superannuation tax cut for low income earners as stark differences with the Coalition emerge over how to manage spending.

The Government is warning that abolition of the retirement savings assistance would hurt shop workers, check-out chicks and unskilled kitchen staff the most.

The Government and the Opposition agree that money will be tight for the May 14 Budget, but Labor wants deficit spending to save jobs and the Coalition wants savage spending cuts and removal of big programs such as carbon pricing.

The debate centres on what Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday called a $7.5 billion sledgehammer blow to federal finances caused by the high Australian dollar and a fall in exports.

One of the casualties of a Coalition government would be the 15 per cent tax break for the superannuation accounts of workers on $37,000 a year and less.

Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten today released new research showing 218,850 retail workers would suffer if the Government's 15 per cent tax break for those earning $37,000 a year or less was abolished.

They would be followed by 145,999 checkout operators and 93,495 kitchen hands. These were the top three occupations, in numbers of workers, benefitting from the tax relief.

The tax cut affecting a total of 3.6 million workers saving for retirement began last July but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday confirmed a Coalition government would abolish it because it was to be funded by the mining tax, which would be repealed.

"So sure, the current government is making great play of what it says is our attack on low income earners' superannuation," Mr Abbott told Sky News yesterday.

"But we said from the beginning – we were upfront and honest before an election about this – if it can't be funded, it can't be paid..."

He accused the Government of "mortgaging the future to try to buy votes": "There are lots of promises that the current government will make going into the election that the Coalition simply won't match."

Superannuation Minister Shorten said: "I'd rather see a $500 boost to the super account of a kitchen hand or a checkout operator or a farm hand than into Tony Abbott's pocket."

He said: "I'm talking about mums working part-time while they care for young kids being hit with a $500 tax bill for contributing to her superannuation. That's not fair or smart.

"Women are already retiring with less because of the disparity in their pay compared to men, as well as the time they take out of the workforce to raise their children.

"Let's not make that situation worse, let's try to address it."

Other workers most affected by the superannuation tax cut include 89,722 in the hospitality industry, 83,167 cleaners and laundry staff, 57,696 receptionists, and 46,703 general clerks.

Mr Abbott said the Coalition would not be making big spending promises and said Australia was experiencing "a time of great fiscal stringency".

And he was backed up by Treasurer Wayne Swan who told ABC TV that the combination of the Australian dollar's high exchange rate and the fall in revenue from exports had reduced Government revenue.

"And as a consequence of that, that's caused a hit, if you like, a sledgehammer to revenues in the budget since the mid-year update of something like $7.5 billion," said Mr Swan.

"And of course the impact won't just be in this financial year, it will also be across the (four year) forward estimates.

"This is one of the reasons why I made the point at the end of last year that we were unlikely to return to surplus in 2012-13 because of this hit, if you like, to revenue from the high dollar and, of course, the lower terms of trade."

The Treasurer said there would not be "savage cuts across the Budget" to make up for the lost revenue because that would cost jobs.

"So our approach is very clear - in this budget we will support jobs and growth, we'll make the smart investments for the future and we'll do that within the context of a responsible medium-term fiscal policy," he said.

View the original article here

Brand wants Kardashian foursome

Comedian Russell Brand told Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian he's open to having sex with all of them. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

RUSSELL Brand has told the Kardashian sisters he?d like to get them into bed - at the same time.

Khloe, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian were interviewing Brand as guest hosts of E! talk show Chelsea Lately, and the talk quickly turned raunchy, The New York Post reports.

"I'm vulnerable to the concept of a KKK threesome," Brand cracked. Khloe then turned to Kim and quipped that pregnant women are the best in bed.

"I think pregnant women are radiant and beautiful and the idea of lactation is an interesting one," Katy Perry’s ex-husband added.

Earlier, in the opening monologue, the reality TV stars unloaded some of their pent-up feelings toward host Chelsea Handler, who’s been in a mock war of words with the attention-loving family over the years.

On what the host was doing on her night off, Kourtney guessed, “I’m sure she’s doing something really important, like drinking.”

Kim, who’s been bashed about her pregnancy curves, joked how she and Handler can now “fit into the same size dress.”

Read more at The New York Post.

View the original article here