Second budget surplus in reach as inflation runs hot
Another forecast budget surplus would help in the fight against rising prices, says the government amid pressure over the latest hot inflation readout.
budgets and budgeting
Living cost relief, housing top ACT’s budget priorities
Cost-of-living help has been handed to struggling to households in an ACT budget that also vies to tackle the housing crisis and other slower-burn challenges.
Rates on hold yet inflation risks remain on RBA’s radar
The threat of inflation has not been neutralised and the Reserve Bank is still prepared to pull the trigger on another interest rate hike if needed.
Bulk-billing hope with GP deal to end tax stand-off
Fears of shuttered GP clinics or more patients being slugged with gap payments have been allayed, but there's concern over the overall NSW health budget.
Record $26b green energy boost for emissions target bid
Queensland Labor has earmarked huge funds for green power, storage and transmission projects to support the state's emissions targets.
Ex-premier blasts LNP successor for backing govt budget
LNP leader David Crisafulli's support for funded projects in Labor's last budget before the Queensland election has been slammed by ex-premier Campbell Newman.
Tax cuts and tourist fees in NZ budget ‘clean-up job’
Income tax relief for Kiwis and higher fees for tourists have been revealed in the first budget of New Zealand's coalition government.
I haven’t forgotten what it means to struggle: Albanese
As Labor faces criticism over the cost of living relief it has provided vulnerable Australians, the prime minister says he hasn't forgotten the struggle.
Dutton’s target on migrants a ‘race to the bottom’
A coalition plan to slash migration has been labelled as "xenophobia" and Labor is being urged not to allow the "racist trope" to dictate the housing debate.
Dutton pledges to slash migration to fix housing crisis
Peter Dutton has laid out a plan to get Australia "back on track" in his budget response that would crack down on migration and international students.
Antarctic mission and Great Barrier Reef secure funding
Australia's research in Antarctica has been boosted, with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek saying it will better protect our natural world.
Economists warn budget could ‘poke inflationary bear’
Loosened purse strings cast doubts over the inflation-fighting credentials of the Albanese government's third budget, which also points to a weakening economy.
Treasurer backs rebates for all in cost-of-living fight
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the use of $300 energy rebates for all households in the federal budget, despite calls to means test the measure.
No ‘glamour’ in Territory’s crime-busting budget
The Northern Territory has unveiled a crime-fighting budget, with cash also splashed to improve schools before an election in August.
Federal budget targets housing crisis amid backlash
The federal government has announced $11.3 billion to fast-track the delivery of new homes but faced criticism for not extending further support to renters.
Industry rebuffs calls to slash fossil fuel subsidies
Fossil fuel subsides are increasing and undermining Australia's climate efforts, a think tank says, but energy producers insist they're paying plenty of tax.
Doctors demand answers over end-of-life care funding
A peak medical body is calling for urgent end-of-life care funding in the Queensland budget and an explanation as to where previous funding has gone.
Treasurer talks tough as airport rail stoush deepens
A fresh shot has been fired at Melbourne Airport by Victoria's treasurer who suggests the government could partner with a rival if it doesn't deliver projects.
budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
politics
Hundreds of millions to incentivise clean energy future
A $566 million commitment is part of Australia's long-term plan to incentivise clean energy investment and turn the nation into a renewables superpower.
Defence budget boost as New Zealand looks to ‘step up’
Foreign affairs and defence will get a funding boost in the first budget of New Zealand's new government despite campaign pledges to shrink the public service.
Community alliance slams ‘harm’ from employment service
Community organisations, unions and First Nations groups have demanded the government meet its commitments to support the unemployed and disadvantaged.
Drop in GST revenue to cost NSW ‘more than COVID’
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says his state will lose $12 billion in the latest GST carve-up, jeopardising major federal school and hospital funding agreements.
Treasurer admits ‘difficult’ budget ahead for Qld
The Queensland government will maintain its commitment to cost-of-living relief for households despite the treasurer warning of a difficult budget ahead.
Urgent meeting sought over $550 War Memorial upgrade
As findings of cost blowouts and conflicts of interests swirl around, the government has sought an urgent briefing with the national audit office.
PM downplays commission criticism on manufacturing push
The chair of the productivity commission has raised concern the Future Made in Australia Act could increase reliance on government funds.
No budget ‘cash splash’ as inflation still main game
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has managed expectations for cost of living relief ahead of the May budget and played down the possibility of a sizeable second surplus.
budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
government
mining
politics
social services
state budget and tax
NSW, Queensland biggest losers in ‘absurd’ GST carve-up
Victoria and Western Australia are multi-billion-dollar winners in the latest carve-up of the Goods and Services Tax , which NSW has slammed as "absurd".
Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs
Hundreds of nuisance tariffs on everyday items like tools, clothing, dishwashers and more will be scrapped in a move that will save businesses millions.
budgets and budgeting
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
health
healthcare policy
politics (general)
Doctors, nurses make emergency call on federal budget
More than 40 health groups have called on the government to make climate and health funding a priority after services were challenged by extreme weather.
Tax cuts aimed squarely at regions, PM declares
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor's revamped stage three tax cuts will largely benefit working Australians from the bush.
Firmer footing for Australian economy later in 2024
A surprisingly positive reading for a key leading index points to green shoots for the economy, though one-off factors may be responsible for the upbeat result.