Australians' Views on the Budget Across Different Generations

About half of Arwen Nugteren's income goes to rent.

After paying bills, Arwen has little money left.

Arwen occasionally spends $30 on lunch and dessert as a treat.

Then the cycle repeats.

Arwen fears she might always rent because saving for a deposit is not possible.

Arwen questions if she will ever buy a house in Australia.

The government discussed addressing intergenerational unfairness before the budget.

The ABC asked people about the budget across different generations.

Arwen is not convinced she will see change because the government just started discussing inequality.

Many politicians own multiple properties, making it hard for Arwen to believe in change.

Arwen thinks politicians' personal interests affect their decisions on housing.

The government's changes to the housing market might be too late for Arwen.

Arwen wants changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing.

The gap between generations on housing has grown over the past two decades.

In 1999-00, people under 30 and those 60 or older had similar numbers of rental properties.

The age group with the most rental properties was those between 40 and 49.

The Howard government introduced changes to the Capital Gains Tax discount in 1999.

The Grattan Institute said these changes distorted investment decisions.

Now, people 60 or older own the most rental properties.

Young people own a smaller share of the rental market than before.

Arwen's budget expectations are for more targeted taxes and changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing.

Arwen does not expect significant change from the budget.

Arwen thinks balancing the budget is important, but not at the expense of infrastructure and services.

Arwen recently moved to a new rental in Brisbane's south-west.

She hopes to one day buy a small apartment if she gets a higher-paying job.

Arwen wants the security and safety of owning her own home.

Arwen believes changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing would show the government is serious about addressing inequality.

Arwen thinks these tax incentives make property attractive to investors, not first-home buyers.

If the government makes these changes, Arwen will believe they care about inequality.

Arwen is concerned that without change, the country will be pushed backwards.

Arwen considers moving to a different country with cheaper housing.

After the budget, Arwen felt that the changes were too good to be true.

Arwen is happy with the changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing.

The changes to the Capital Gains Tax will apply to assets like shares and investment properties from July 2027.

Negative gearing will be limited to newly built homes, but still claimable for existing investment properties.

Arwen does not mind that the government broke an election promise because it gives her hope.

Mark Hetherington is a father of two who lives in Moonbi, New South Wales.

Mark's costs have been tight, but he is concerned about his sons' future.

Mark sees a different property market than the one he bought into 20 years ago.

Mark's budget expectations are for balanced changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing.

Mark expects the budget to address some systemic issues, especially housing costs.

Mark wants the government to plan for the long-term future of the country.

Mark thinks the government should change the tax treatment of housing to deal with investor speculation.

Mark is concerned that his standard of living will not be the same for his children.

Mark thinks it will take decades to address the housing inequality between generations.

After the budget, Mark felt that the changes were more substantial than expected.

Mark thinks the changes to the Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing will help rebalance housing affordability.

Charles Corbett is a 75-year-old self-funded retiree who lives in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.

Charles' biggest concern before the budget was changes to the private health care rebate.

Charles welcomed the government's announced cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Charles thinks the push to cut spending has softened his concerns about the private health rebate changes.

Charles wants to see more action on negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax.

Charles thinks the budget's focus on intergenerational inequality is fair.

Rosie Smith is a 50-year-old single parent who lives in Coolbellup, Perth.

Rosie earns the most she has in her life, but feels poorer due to high bills and rent.

Rosie's savings have been eaten up by cost-of-living increases.

Rosie wants changes to housing tax incentives, especially on multiple investment properties.

Rosie did not expect much to change in her life after the budget.

Rosie was happy to see the government announcing a new tax cut for workers.

The tax cut will provide an annual offset of up to $250 for Australian workers from 2027-28.

Rosie likes that the tax cut is a permanent part of her annual tax return, not a one-off handout.

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