3 things that S'pore Budget 2017 did not cover, because maybe not enough space

But they were already being supported at the sidelines.

Henedick Chng | February 22, 2017, 09:48 AM

Singapore's Budget 2017, which was delivered by Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat in Parliament on Feb. 20, set out various initiatives with the following aims:

1) Prepare us for the future economy and support businesses

2) Sustain employment and help workers thrive

3) Build an inclusive society and strengthen our community

4) Protect our environment

5) Ensure fiscal sustainability

While comprehensive, there are some things that Budget 2017 did not directly address, possibly because initiatives for them are already in place, or the government is tackling them from a different angle.

Let's look at some of them.

1. 50th Anniversary of National Service (NS)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"]Source: Mindef Source: Mindef[/caption]

NS turns 50 in 2017, but the Budget statement was silent about further initiatives to celebrate, honour and recognise our past, present and future NSmen.

The likely reason could be because plans to commemorate NS50 have already been announced.

In a written reply from the Parliament Sitting on Feb. 20, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen briefly reiterated the commemorative plans in store for NS50:

"As we commemorate 50 years of National Service this year, we are giving the NS50 Recognition Package to the more than one million national servicemen who have served two or more years of National Service duties, as a token of appreciation for their primary role in ensuring Singapore’s defence and security. National servicemen can enjoy the vouchers and free SAFRA and Home Team NS membership in the Package with their families."

Ng, who was responding to a question on whether women would also be honoured in NS50 for their sacrifices as mothers and wives, also said:

"We recognise these contributions through ongoing initiatives such as the Total Defence Awards and annual tax reliefs for spouses and parents of national servicemen. This year, we will continue to do so through the various NS50 events and activities, such as the NS50 Week and NS50 Dinner Reception."

2. Baby bonus

Baby bonus Source: MSF

Absent from Budget 2017 is also a strong focus on giving direct financial incentives to Singaporeans for having babies. This was different from last year, where enhancements were made to the Baby Bonus scheme.

In this year's Budget, other issues related to young families raising children were addressed instead:

- Housing: Increase CPF housing grant from $30,000 to $50,000 for couples who purchase 4-room or smaller resale flats, and from $30,000 to $40,000 for couples who purchase 5-room or bigger resale flats.

- Improving the accessibility of pre-schools: Provide more support for those with infants by increasing the capacity of centre-based infant care from 4,000 at present to 8,000 by 2020.

Perhaps the reason for this approach by the government in getting Singaporeans to make more babies can be found in Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean's written reply on the topic of the fertility rate from the Feb. 20 Parliament Sitting:

"Even as we continue to refine policy measures, we are cognisant that birth rates do not depend only on government initiatives. Social norms shape [Marriage & Parenthood] decisions and these are in turn a result of multiple factors. Fortunately, aspirations for marriage and parenthood among Singaporeans remain strong. To get ready for Millennial families, we will need the support of the whole of society - employers, co-workers, community organisations, businesses and Government - to promote a more family-friendly environment where marriage and parenthood are achievable, enjoyable and celebrated."

3. Healthcare

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="768"]Source: MOH Facebook Source: MOH Facebook[/caption]

Also absent from Budget 2017 were major introductions, enhancements or improvements to general healthcare, such as those for the elderly. This was possibly due to the comprehensive measures, such as the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life already in place to help older Singaporeans.

Nonetheless, Budget 2017 helps persons with disabilities and those with mental health conditions -- a growing health issue among ageing Singaporeans:

    Persons with disabilities

- Help to better integrate persons with disabilities to into the workforce, and to give more support to their caregivers through the Third Enabling Masterplan.

    Mental health conditions

- Help voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) set up more community-based teams to support those in need, and educate the public on mental health issues.

- Ministry of Health to provide mental health care services in polyclinics.

- Expand the number of Dementia Friendly Communities.

- The National Council for Social Services will lead efforts to integrate persons with mental health issues at the workplace and in wider society.

Also related to the issue of healthcare, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong also said in a written parliamentary reply on Feb. 20 that the government had helped healthcare providers adopt automation and robotics to improve the healthcare services and increase productivity.

Top image from MOF Facebook.

Related article:

All you need to know about the 2017 Budget Statement in 3 minutes

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.