No more $900 cash handouts

JohnF — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:58:31 +0000

PUNTERS who have already splurged their $900 cash handout shouldn’t hold their breath for more freebies in this month’s Budget, economists say.

HSBC chief economist John Edwards said he would be “astonished” if the Budget included another cash handout like the one announced in February, in which millions of Australian workers received up to $900.

Mr Edwards said a possible third stimulus package would more likely cover Commonwealth funding for health, education and other forms of infrastructure.

“That’s what people mean by stimulus package – I don’t think there would be another cash payment,” Mr Edwards told news.com.au.

Since Budget predictions gained momentum last month, it has been widely speculated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Treasurer Wayne Swan would engineer another spending plan in a bid to reduce the effects of recession.

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No more $900 cash handouts