This initial ACOSS briefing on the 2011-12 Federal Budget outlines key measures announced in the Budget in areas of interest to ACOSS members, to assist members in their work.

This briefing does not offer extensive comment on the merit or otherwise of these measures.

This paper outlines the measures firstly by providing a general background on Budget revenue and expenses. This is followed by an outline of key measures in each of ACOSS’ major policy areas: income support; health; mental health; community services; climate change and energy; housing and homelessness; indigenous policy; taxation; and employment, education and training.