‘THE Federal Government’s $1.8 billion flood levy has been thrown into doubt after independent Tony Windsor yesterday said the money could be raised by budget cuts.
Mr Windsor said the baby bonus and other “middle-class welfare” could be axed to help rebuild Queensland.
Other independents Rob Oakeshott and Andrew Wilkie and Greens MP Adam Bandt yesterday called for the Government to drop plans to cut climate programs and instead shave money from defence to fund the flood repairs.
Ms Gillard said the levy was a crucial part of the Federal Government’s plan to spend $5.6 billion rebuilding shattered communities in Queensland.
“This is not just a routine piece of legislation . . . but an expression of goodwill between Australians,” she told Parliament. source
