Kevin Rudd’s controversial stimulus package has finally been passed by the Senate.
A deal was brokered between Independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon and the Government, with $900 million now being promised for the Murray Darling Basin, along with $500 million for the drought-ravaged area.
The Greens have also been granted amendments to the package, which will see the cash handouts to low and middle-income earners and single-income families cut by $50 to $900.
Single-income families and those earning less than $80,000 will now receive $900; $600 will be granted to people of incomes between $80,000 and $90,000, and those earning between $90,000 and $100,000 will get a $250 dollar bonus.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan told ABC radio this morning that the stimulus package had to pass through the Senate as there was no ‘Plan B’.
The Federal Opposition is still opposing the package, claiming it is too large and should include more tax cuts.
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