Federal Budget 2020: What you might have missed

The Federal Budget is a massive document, and this year especially there was a lot to take in as the government sought to rectify an economy in worse shape than any time since World War II.

Amid the headline items around job creation, tax cuts and bonuses for employers, there were plenty of other government announcements that you might have missed.

Putting a green foot forward

The Coalition has often been criticised by green groups for its environmental policy.

Tonight, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced that the government would ban the export of plastic, paper, tyre and glass waste.

The government will invest $250 million on recycling infrastructure, which Mr Frydenberg said would reduce landfill and create 10,000 jobs.

READ MORE: Our two-minute guide to the budget

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The budget also included $1.8 billion for environmental projects.

"Our investments reflect our commitments to help our wildlife recover from the Black Summer bushfires and to protect and enhance our unique natural environment," he said.

Funds have been earmarked for a $233 million upgrade to the Commonwealth National Parks, with $67 million also set aside to improve ocean health and restore mangroves, tidal marshes and sea grasses.

Women at work

Women workers suffered disproportionately under COVID-19, losing the majority of jobs.

Tonight, the government announced a $240 million package they hope will get more women back to work across multiple sectors.

It includes a $25.1 million package to support 500 women undertaking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) qualifications.

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Other measures will support women's leadership in the workplace, and attempt to address sexual harassment.

"We are determined to see female workforce participation reach its pre-COVID-19 record high," Mr Frydenberg said.

The cost of coronavirus

The budget was of course largely a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disaster loomed across it.

The government confirmed it was providing $750 million for COVID-19 testing and $171 million for the continued operation of up to 150 dedicated respiratory clinics, along with $1.1 billion to the states and territories for hospitals.

A further $3.2 billion in federal funds had been spent on personal protective equipment.

Over 76 million masks, and other protective equipment, were distributed from the National Medical Stockpile to protect frontline workers.

The government also invested in more than 9000 additional ventilators.

Super stapling

The scourge of multiple super funds and the attendant money loss will face a new obstacle.

The government said from now on, Australian workers would automatically keep their super fund when they changed employers.

READ MORE: Hiring credits, expanded write-offs on offer for business owners

"Australians today are paying $450 million a year in unnecessary fees as a result of six million multiple accounts," Mr Frydenberg said.

He said super funds would be required to meet an annual performance test, with under-performers forced to notify their members.

Cancer meds on the cheap

Mr Frydenberg tonight announced that the medication Lynparza had been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

The medication, which is a treatment for advanced ovarian cancer, had cost more than $140,000 per course previously.

READ MORE: How the ordinary Aussie family will be affected by this year's budget

Patients will now be able to access the medicine for $6.60 per script for concession card holders, and about $41 per script for general patients.

Mr Frydenberg claimed the government had delivered on its commitment to list all medicines recommended by independent experts on the PBS.

"More than 2000 new and amended listings since we came to government," he said.

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