12:10:00 11/05/2011
The Federal Government has promised to deliver a surplus in two years, and to fix the skills shortage facing the country. The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard says the budget document reflects Labor values, and she's challenged the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott to pass it. More
12:14:00 11/05/2011
Regardless of whether the Federal Government convinces the public about the budget measures, it still faces the challenge of getting it through the Senate. The Finance Minister, Senator Penny Wong says the Government will continue discussing possible amendments with the Greens, but is confident it will pass. More
12:18:00 11/05/2011
Economics correspondent Stephen Long and the Australian Financial Review's Brian Toohey join The World Today to dissect budget 2011. They discuss who wins, who loses and what more could, or should, be done. More
12:22:00 11/05/2011
The Australian Industry Group has welcomed the federal budget's spending on skills, training and infrastructure. But the chief executive, Heather Ridout has expressed concern that the Government is still not adequately addressing the two-speed economy that leaves export industries exposed to the rocketing Australian dollar. More
12:26:00 11/05/2011
Australia's dependence on the mining boom and China's demand for resources could yet affect the Federal Government's plans to return to a surplus in two years. China's economy is slowing down, and some economists say the budget should have included deeper cuts. More
12:30:00 11/05/2011
Economic correspondent Stephen Long and the Australian Financial Review's Brian Toohey discuss the importance of the Chinese economy to the budget's bottom line. More
12:34:00 11/05/2011
There are cheers in the mental health sector for the extra funding in the budget directed towards new early psychosis prevention and youth intervention centres, but there are also concerns that the money may dry up in the future. And the AMA says the Government is wrong to take money away from GPs who were already providing vital mental health services. More
12:38:00 11/05/2011
Dental health is the big loser in this budget, with $3 billion cut from the chronic disease dental scheme. Dentists say many disadvantaged patients will miss out on federal support. The Government has instead allocated $53 million towards a dental internship program, and $500,000 to set up an advisory council. More
12:42:00 11/05/2011
FIFA is again under fire over fresh allegations bribes were made in exchange for votes in the bid to host football World Cups in 2018 and 2022. Lord Triesman, the former chairman of the unsuccessful England bid team, says he was asked to help with knighthoods and pet projects, and if he agreed, he could have expected to receive votes on the FIFA executive. More
