Hi all,

Having just returned from the US and seeing first-hand the tremendous business confidence from California to Omaha (note to follow) and New York, it’s time for Australians to show similar confidence and live life with more optimism. ‘Ask NOT what your country can do for you … ‘

Joe’s budget for mine is one which encourages this.

MY KEY TAKE OUTS

· NO detrimental unexpected changes AT ALL to Super!!! Can you believe it?? (well … not yet)

· BIG leg up for small business … great for our international competitiveness and encourages employment, entrepreneurialism and innovation

· Lowering of assets test to make it harder to qualify for aged pension .. reinforcing the need to start investing early and don’t rely on the government

· Assistance for working families and overall encouragement of increased workforce participation .. very important with ageing population

· The Abbott Government NOT wanting to offend voters … increased tax for backpackers’ a great initiative!!

For those wanting more detail, see the attached ICAA 2015 Budget Bulletin which contains an Exec Summary with very useful links from the Exec Summary to the specific area(s) which may be of interest to you.