Budget delivers population explosion, crashing environment, and widening inequality

Obediently, Chalmers travels, these timeworn tracks.

Yet also, by his own hand, he's got 1.5% economic growth going up against 1.7% population growth. Genius, it's another per-capita recession, for disenfranchised punters. But also, his Appendix A pushes the long-term net-migration envelope, out to an epochal 260,000.

That's nearly as high, as Josh Frydenberg once dared, in 2019. About 45,000 higher, than the Big Australia years of 2005-2020. And, most importantly, well over three times the historic average.

How does our tame media convey, this historic betrayal of voters? For the most part, it barely registers. For honest reporting of what's going on, you'd be better off with the UK Daily Mail .

Then have a look at Our ABC , parroting governmental immigration propaganda, to the Opposition itself. But it's gold to The Guardian , for this spectacular double-barrelled fib:

The [immigration] forecast for 2024-25 is 260,000, broadly in line with the long-term historical average of 235,000.

In the environmental department, the Treasury window-dressing is similar to that of last October. I'm thrilled, that parks and natural heritage are getting more loot. Though this can't reverse the steady environmental decline. Oh, and look over here , at our purported "net zero industries" and "renewable energy superpower".

On the (in)equality desk, it's also one step forward, then two steps back. In upside-down Australia, your obligatory first step, is that all-time immigration surge. Especially burdening Sydney and Melbourne. In 2022, national population grew by nearly half a million.

Only after that necessary act of "nation building", can one begin to ease, the pressures on hapless renters. The HAFF for "building more homes" is now styled as a National Housing Accord. More money for social housing.

Once again, this barely scratches the sides, of our population-driven housing and rental crisis. For truthful Budget reporting of that aspect, I would recommend bad old Rupert Murdoch .

Never mind, look over there , peoples. We're broadening opportunity by "advancing gender equality". Excellent, but not quite the same, as reducing inequality generally.

Now for the obvious confession. There isn't really a Treasury equality desk.