It's not long to go now until the new Rudd government hands down its much anticipated Federal Budget. Next Tuesday night all eyes will be focused on Treasurer Wayne Swan, who will be delivering his first budget for the Labor party.
I don't know about you, but I'm really hoping the Treasurer approaches it from a big picture perspective, with the long-term economic future of this country in mind.
We all know Australians are currently under pressure from high interest rates, high levels of inflation, higher petrol prices and higher grocery bills. That's why this is a terrific opportunity to think outside the square a little, rather than simply handing out income tax cuts to woo voters.
Don't get me wrong, tax cuts would be great, but in this current economic climate they don't serve any purpose; they would simply be given with one hand and then taken away with the other through even higher interest rates.
So, the real challenge for the Treasurer will be how to give something back to ordinary Australians without stimulating the economy too much and making the Reserve Bank lift rates.
I class tax cuts and other vote buying pork barreling as "spending" which I agree could fuel inflation and lead to interest rate rises. But I reckon we need to differentiate between "spending" and "investing".
This first Federal Budget of the Rudd Government should use its $15-20 billion budget surplus to "invest" in the nation's future.
So what's on my budget wish list this year?
Superannuation: I've said this before, but I reckon the government should pass the money back through a government superannuation contribution to working Australians. The government could add an extra 2 or 3 per cent to the compulsory employer contribution of 9 per cent.
Infrastructure: I believe the government needs to look at the big picture and spend more money on infrastructure in this country. Things like roads, rail systems and ports. All of these need attention now so we can cope with expansion and growth in the future.
Water: And let's not forget water supplies. It wasn't that long ago that this country was shriveling from an extreme water shortage. We need to build new dams, or think of other innovative ways to capture water going forward so we don't face the same issue in ten or twenty years time. The government could even buy a rain water tank for every Australian household!
Environment: I've said it before and I'll say it again; we need to see a major shift in our approach towards our environment and climate change and we need to see it now.
Other ideas of mine include trying to relieve the public housing shortage, refurbishing our run down schools, improving the waiting lists at public hospitals.
It's not rocket science by any means. It just involves a little bit of, guts, determination and lateral thinking.
I guess only time will tell.