Australian Council of Social Service chief Cassandra Goldie said that while the budget "provides some glimmer for hope on jobs for young people", it's a "crushing let-down" for many others without paid work.
"The Federal Budget has also missed key opportunities for job creation initiatives that would have delivered public good, particularly in female-dominated sectors, instead focusing on projects that will take longer to get off the ground," she said.
"It leaves more than two million people receiving higher income support uncertain about their future beyond the end of the year, when rates will go to their pre-COVID levels, which for JobSeeker is $40 a day. People on temporary visas also receive no income support in this budget.
"The extra funding for aged care is welcome, including 23,000 aged care packages, but this falls far short of what is required to meet demand. There is some extra funding for community services, including mental health services, but again, it is insufficient to meet what is required.
"Overall, the Budget does not deliver enough investment to pull us out of the historic slump we’re in without leaving people behind. The Government will need to do more to ensure that we are all in the recovery together."