Budget 2020: Pauline Hanson slams spend, questions gas plan

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says the Federal Budget rains misplaced money down on Australians like a “summer monsoon”.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has delivered a scathing review of Tuesday’s Federal Budget, which she claims rains down misplaced money on Australians like a “summer monsoon”.

Senator Hanson said while many would benefit from short-term from tax cuts and welfare, the Budget did little to shed light on the government’s vision to revive the economy after the crisis brought on by COVID-19.

“In short, the Budget was silent on how Australia will deliver globally competitive water and electricity prices, which are essential for a revival of manufacturing in Australia,” she told the Senate on Wednesday.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“With money flowing like champagne from a shaken bottle, the government hopes that somehow Australian business will lead an economic recovery.”

Ms Hanson said she was disappointed there were no nation-building projects included in the Budget, and took particular exception to government “interference” in the gas market.

The Federal Government yesterday announced it would spend $52.9 million to unlock new gas supply, with some of the first projects to be situated in the North Bowen and Galilee basins in Queensland.

“$10.9 million will be invested to strengthen gas infrastructure planning and deliver market reform to lower the price of gas for households and manufacturers,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.

Pauline Hanson was critical of the government’s plan for gas. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Ms Hanson, however, believes the government’s move to “guarantee” the gas industry in Queensland at great expense would have the opposite effect on household prices.

She accused the government of failing to reform laws that allow foreign multinationals to make billions exporting gas from stations off the coast of Western Australia – where she said there was enough supply for “1000 years” – instead of keeping it for Australian consumption.

“The government must stop picking winners and subsidising electricity generation – first solar, then wind and now gas,” she said.

“Government should get out of the way and let these market players compete against each other, so we get the lowest electricity prices.

“Government interference in the markets always ends badly, and in this case has left Australia with globally uncompetitive energy prices, which will kill off the manufacturing strategy and jobs throughout the economy.

“If the government persists with guaranteeing the gas industry in Queensland, then we are doomed to high gas prices and lower living standards.”