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.
budgets and budgeting
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.
auto trends
budgets and budgeting
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
road transport
transport
Cars will need to be twice as green to avoid luxury tax
High-end vehicles will need to become more fuel-efficient to avoid a 33 per cent tax under changes in a federal budget update.
budgets and budgeting
defence
economic policy
housing and urban planning
indigenous people
investments
politics
social issue
Hints of cooling inflation as next rates call looms
Aggressive interest rate hikes are working to slow the economy, timely measures of price movements and the jobs market suggest.
Coal fires up Queensland’s budget surplus
Net debt has shrunk and the budget surplus has boomed, a report into the Queensland government's finances has revealed.
US Congress tees up votes in scramble to avert shutdown
Infighting among Republicans who control the House of Representatives is pushing the United States to the brink of its fourth partial shutdown in a decade.
US Congress passes stopgap bill to avert shutdown
The threat of a US government shutdown has been averted after Congress approved a temporary funding plan - but it came at the expense of aid for Ukraine.
‘Won’t be fixed overnight’: NSW Labor’s budget warning
NSW residents will soon be handed the first Labor state budget in more than a decade, with promises of short-term relief and long-term reforms.
Cost-of-living focus in NSW budget as dam project axed
Stretched households have been told they can expect more help as the NSW government prepares to deliver its first budget since the election.
Regions benefit with budget boosts to health, education
The NSW government will redirect education funding to pay for higher teacher salaries as it pledges extra schools and campus upgrades in regional areas.
‘Intolerable’ housing crisis is costing Sydney billions
Housing unaffordability in Sydney is second only to Hong Kong, says a think tank boss who warns it is costing the city billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Major parties to face pressure on tackling tax reform
Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis want to see tax reform but an independent senator says major parties are unwilling to have the conversation.
Budget’s $20b sugar hit won’t be shared with households
Households dealing with cost-of-living pressures are unlikely to get any extra relief despite a budget surplus shaping up to be much larger than forecast.