Budget fails to inspire young people

The Budget's coming under fire for failing to contain any inspiration for young people.

A post Budget breakfast has been held in Wellington this morning, focusing on how children, students and young families are affected by the Budget.

Associate professor Mike O'Brien addressed the crowd, saying the Budget sends a rather harsh message to young families.

"The message it's sending really is that you're on your own, and secondly, at a risk of being a little over simplistic with it, we don't care. Get on with it, and if you don't make it, bad luck."

Mr O'Brien says cuts to funding and allowances are bad news for the country's youth.

Victoria University student Asher Emanuel says there's not much to get excited about for people like him.

"The Budget wasn't particularly inspirational for young people, it wasn't a Budget which was going to provide opportunities for people to have access to tertiary education and for post graduates to be able to support their families."

Asher Emanuel says the rise in student loan repayments from 10 percent to 12 percent may not sound a lot, but is a few vital dollars each week.

But protesting and unhappy students have been given a clear message by the Finance Minister - stop whinging and get a job.

Bill English addressed a post Budget breakfast group of businesspeople in Wellington this morning, selling his fourth Budget.

He received a warm response, with economist Cameron Bagrie rating the Budget as "O" for awesome.

Mr English told the audience very few people are actually complaining despite the tough times and thinks those who are unhappy are in the minority.

"Who's listening? Most people actually think the students have got a pretty fair go, they should count themselves lucky they've still got interest free student loans and get on with it ... get your training finished, get a job and start contributing," Mr English says.

Photo: Katie Bradford-Crozier