Following Scott Morrison’s mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO), Chris Kenny speaks with Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen for Labor’s response.

“We’re certainly in the midst of the best global economic circumstance we’ve seen in a long time.

“Of course I welcome any reduction, I think every Australian would, but let’s not give the government a gold star.

“We still have very substantial issues in this country.

“If you look at the actual decision made… They actually made the budget bottom line worse by about $1.9 billion.

“We’ve got people working longer than any other country in the world. We’ve got people who might be carpenters, bricklayers, policeman and women doing tough jobs out there and we’re saying you’ve got to work till you’re 70. I think that’s a bit rough.”

As for the Treasurer’s extended waiting periods for new migrants, Mr Bowen says he does have some concerns about that particular measure but refused to elaborate.

“It would be irresponsible of me to say yes or no.”

Listen to the full interview