Without commenting too much on the details of the Federal Budget [1], many of which I have an opinion on, there is one aspect of its framing and delivery that, to put it mildly, got me rather cranky.

I am, along with many others I am sure, very tired of constantly hearing the term "working family" and what apparently qualifies you as one. There are many questions I have - if you are not a "working family" - then what are you? Is there a term that covers the rest of us? If you work ("working") and have a family ("family") - but you earn a high income - does that mean you suddenly are something else?

I really am quite confused and perplexed about this. I don't see why those who earn a high salary, drive a luxury car and own an expensive home should be punished for it. It's not as though they don't pay a price already through our tax system. Life isn't fair, but we shouldn't marginalise the "haves" just because they are wealthy - through inheritance, luck, hard work, or otherwise. They too have families to support and bills to pay.

There is no doubt that the gap between the rich and poor is getting wider, but is the introduction of means testing for welfare payments such as the baby bonus really going to bring us all closer together - or just reinforce a class divide and "us vs. them" mentality? I did not have a wealthy upbringing but I am sure many high income "working families" feel quite on the outer today - and understandably so.

I believe there are many less fortunate Australians that are in need of a hand. Not for a minute do I suggest that they shouldn't be offered the right support tools to help them lead a good lifestyle. What I don't think is healthy is for us to adopt an attitude that because you earn above a certain dollar figure you escape the responsibilities charter of the government.