Unions give Budget muted praise

Even the Alliance-Labour Government's union allies were muted in their praise of the Cullen Budget.

"Workers won't be jumping for joy following today's Budget," said the Council of Trade Unions president, Ross Wilson.

"But it does contain some real plusses considering the straitjacket the Government is operating in."

He welcomed an injection of $18 million to improve adult literacy and a $44 million package to help beneficiaries to make the transition from welfare to work.

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