What does the Federal Budget mean for the greenlife industry?

By Joanna Cave, Chief Executive Officer 

On the evening of Tuesday 25 October, the Albanese government released its first budget to the public. In recent weeks Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been assiduously testing the response to some of the issues on his mind, sufficient to give us heavy hints of what to expect from what he describes as “a solid, simple and sensible budget for the times”.  Here is a summary of what we know so far:

Australia should expect a continued slow-down in economic growth. Inflation is higher than previously expected and wages are not expected to get ahead of inflation any time soon.

Unemployment is predicted to increase from 3.75% to 4.5% over the next two years.

Nonetheless, now that the worst of the pandemic is behind us and thanks in large part to the soaring prices in commodities, the bottom line is better than was expected, with a halving in the predicted deficit to $32 billion.

The less-dire-than-expected outlook might account for the government’s apparent continued commitment to the much-discussed stage three tax cuts, an election promise they are clearly reluctant to break, at least for the time being. Watch this space.

One of the most intriguing developments in this budget is the inclusion of well-being as a measure of the state of the nation. How this will be done is not yet clear, but if the government intends to seriously consider a non-financial metric of this kind in its economic planning for the nation, it could present a fantastic opportunity for greenlife industries, given the well-documented connection between mental health and nature.

In terms of developments of direct relevance to greenlife industries, there are three announcements we are monitoring with great interest. For more details of those specific budget announcements, please read Gabrielle Stannus’ article: ‘Federal Budget: Facts at a glance’.

Welcome Colin Hunt

On another note, I am delighted to announce our appointment of Colin Hunt as Greenlife Industry Australia’s (GIA) new Extension Officer. Colin has spent a lifetime working in horticulture, including growing and teaching. Colin will be joining the levy program’s research and development team to look after program participants in New South Wales and northern Victoria. I know that Colin's extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm will serve our service users well. Colin joins GIA in November and will be out in the field that month. In the meantime, you can learn a little more about Colin in our article: ‘Welcome Colin Hunt’.

Out and about in Western Australia

Finally, I am excited to be spending time in Perth with our colleagues from Nursery & Garden Industry Western Australia (NGIWA). I have spent a day out and about with GIA Extension Officer, Steve Blyth visiting some of the growers who are accredited under our Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS) programs: Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA), EcoHort and BioSecure HACCP. From not-for-profit community tree planting organisations to large-scale revegetation nurseries, the APPS’ programs really do cater for growers of all sizes and varieties (see images below).

Topping off my trip to the west coast is a much-anticipated visit to the Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival. I will be sharing my impressions of that event with you in the next issue.

If anything in my update sparks your interest, in whatever way, please get in touch and let me know what is on your mind. I am always keen to hear from GIA's stakeholders. You can reach me via e-mail: Jo.Cave@greenlifeindustry.com.au or mobile: 0468 368 961.

Regards,

Jo Cave

CEO – Greenlife Industry Australia