Dutton’s airport link plan branded ‘April Fools’ joke’
A federal coalition plan to "redirect" funding for a controversial Melbourne rail loop project to an airport link has been slammed by state Labor.
budgets and budgeting
Coalition energises race for votes with gas and petrol
The coalition have pledged gas investment to bring down power prices as they position themselves as stronger leaders for the nation ahead of the election.
Plans to help more into ‘disaster’ housing market
Aspiring homeowners could secure a cheaper mortgage and lower deposit by letting the government take a stake, but Peter Dutton questions whether they want to.
‘Hip pocket help’ on its way in pre-election sweetener
Australians will receive more energy bill relief in the federal budget but the Liberals argue it's only needed because Labor has allowed costs to blow out.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Budget week to bring inflation, cost-of-living news
The Albanese government will look to further ease cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation when it delivers its fourth budget.
Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush
The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.
Labor ‘unashamed’ in pitch for cost of living vote
The federal budget will deliver help for working people, Anthony Albanese declares, as Labor tries to draw the opposition into revealing its hand.
‘Optimism’ in budget as Australia seen turning a corner
The cost of living will be centre stage in the government's budget as many continue to do it tough, but a cabinet minister says there is reason to have hope.
Food and fibre get millions to fend off Trump tariffs
The federal government has moved to defend Australia's agricultural exports, as the sector prepares to have one of its biggest production years on record.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.
Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook
Australia's federal budget is forecast to eclipse $1 trillion in debt for the first time in 2025/26, as global challenges threaten the nation's coffers.
No respite from tax burden on younger workers in budget
Young income earners will be increasingly called upon to fund rising public spending unless structural tax reforms are made in the next term of government.
Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms
Universal $5 a week tax cuts are being raced through parliament as debate around cost of living intensifies ahead of the federal election.
First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge
First homebuyers and renters struggling to find a home are being offered some hope in a budget that bakes in $33 billion in measures to improve affordability.
Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's budget reply has outlined an alternative vision to drive down energy costs and ease pressure on household budgets.
Treasurer to tighten belt in ‘few surprises’ budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hosed down speculation of a major upgrade to forecast revenue and warned of "few surprises" on budget night.
PM caves on school funding after ‘tortuous’ talks
An extra $3.5 billion in federal cash will be ponied up by the Albanese government after protracted public school funding negotiations with two hold-out states.
Athlete villages for 2032 Games stuck on starting block
Claims of a $3 billion black hole in construction costs for villages to house athletes competing at the 2032 Olympics have been rejected by a former government.
Ballooning capital works blamed for budget blowout
A state will be in the red for some years as its government flags swelling infrastructure costs, as the opposition warns of the risk of potential spending cuts.
Productivity slump worsens Australia’s deficit dilemma
Australia needs to get productivity growth back on track to pay for structural spending increases and avoid endless deficits, economists warn.
US Congress approves bill to avert government shutdown
Facing a government shutdown, US Congress has passed a funding package while defying Donald Trump's demand to also greenlight trillions of dollars in new debt.
Cost of giving diminishes Christmas joy
As families make cutbacks and sacrifices to save the spirit of Christmas, charities warn that many will face a bleak festive season devoid of celebrations.
New French government named after budget fight collapse
French President Emmanuel Macron's office has announced a new cabinet line-up following months of political deadlock.
Deficits dig deeper holes as cracks appear in budget
Australia is on track for a soft economic landing despite budget deficits set to widen as spending grows and tax receipts fall, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Mining export slump puts federal budget in the doldrums
Economic headwinds from China has sparked a major downgrade to Australia's budget position, limiting the government's ability to support struggling households.
PM to resign as France’s political crisis deepens
Michel Barnier will quit as prime minister after a historic no-confidence vote, but the next government will face the same problems getting its budget passed.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
France ‘at turning point’ ahead of no-confidence vote
A French minister is warning colleagues "not to plunge the country into uncertainty" as Michel Barnier's government faces a historic collapse over the budget.
Deals on the bus go down, down: transport costs plunge
Transport costs have fallen for Australian households, a report shows, led by public transport discounts and falling fuel prices.