Kevin Rudd sharpens razor as economic crisis hits home
Excerpt:
"HUNDREDS of millions of dollars will be slashed from health and other key programs as the Rudd Government takes the axe to Budget spending.
Faced with the worst economic crisis in decades, the Government is eyeing billions of dollars in additional savings to bolster a falling Budget surplus.
Among a list of potential targets is $234 million in medical and health research funding slotted for next year.
This would put the Government on a collision course with some of Australia's most respected researchers, including Ian Frazer -- awarded the Prime Minister's $300,000 Science Prize on Thursday.
Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner admitted the Government faced a torrid time as it tried to free funds to pay for pension increases and other core promises.
"Next year's Budget will be a very tough one to frame because of the uncertain economic circumstances," he said.
The minister confirmed his department was listing potential savings........"
Link: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24513276-661,00.html
Excerpt:
"HUNDREDS of millions of dollars will be slashed from health and other key programs as the Rudd Government takes the axe to Budget spending.
Faced with the worst economic crisis in decades, the Government is eyeing billions of dollars in additional savings to bolster a falling Budget surplus.
Among a list of potential targets is $234 million in medical and health research funding slotted for next year.
This would put the Government on a collision course with some of Australia's most respected researchers, including Ian Frazer -- awarded the Prime Minister's $300,000 Science Prize on Thursday.
Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner admitted the Government faced a torrid time as it tried to free funds to pay for pension increases and other core promises.
"Next year's Budget will be a very tough one to frame because of the uncertain economic circumstances," he said.
The minister confirmed his department was listing potential savings........"
Link: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24513276-661,00.html