Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
budgets and budgeting
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.
Critical minerals in demand but gas remains ‘important’
Mines and gas fields will continue to power national prosperity even as the federal budget accelerates Australia towards net-zero emissions.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Payment boost for single parents as age limit lifted
The cut-off for the single parent payment will be raised from eight years to 14 for the youngest child under changes in the federal budget.
Petroleum tax changes to give Aussies a ‘fairer return’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced changes to the petroleum resource rent tax which he says will mean the offshore LNG industry pays more tax, sooner.
Billion-dollar gas tax plan faces a major hurdle
The opposition wants more detail before backing the government's plan to overhaul the petroleum resource rent tax, while the Greens say it needs to go further.
budgets and budgeting
coal
economy, business and finance
employment
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
mining
politics
National body to ease shock of clean energy transition
The federal budget will fund a national authority to manage the job losses and opportunities in switching from coal-fired power to widespread renewable energy.
Tired Sydney Harbour to get $45m makeover in budget
Tuesday's federal budget will include a rescue and repair package for crumbling and dangerous Sydney Harbour sites, including Cockatoo Island.
Aged care pay hikes won’t hurt inflation, says minister
A 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers won't lead to a further rise in inflation, the federal government says.
‘Should be shocked’, workers could earn more at Maccas
A major recruitment drive will soon target workers for the childcare sector but they could be earning more money flipping burgers at Maccas.
Tobacco tax hiked to snuff out vaping and smoking
Revenue from a federal budget hike in tobacco taxes will go towards programs to reduce smoking rates and vaping.
No cyclone tax in ‘no frills’ New Zealand budget
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who has promised a "bread and butter" focused government, is pledging a "no frills" New Zealand budget next month.
Calls mount to lift payment cut-off for single parents
The federal government is under pressure to restore eligibility of the single parenting payment until a child turns 16 rather than a lower threshold.
Pathway to budget balance littered with tough calls
Returning the federal budget to balance in less than a decade is possible, according to PwC modelling, but will take dogged commitment to fiscal repair.
Medicine shortage fears a scare campaign, says minister
The government will make it cheaper for people with chronic conditions to get common medicines by allowing them to buy two months' supply with one prescription.
Gas tax changes, super breaks on budget repair agenda
The treasurer has ruled out tinkering with family tax benefits when he hands down his second budget in May, but he could have gas producers in his sights.
Aussies count coins and avoid rain with Easter at home
Cost-of-living pressures and wet weather are disrupting Easter plans for more than half of Australians, with the majority staying home this holiday period.
Albanese makes budget promise ahead of rates decision
Australian borrowers are bracing for another possible interest rate hike, as the government seeks to ensure the upcoming budget does not push up inflation.
Expert warns of growing tax burden ahead of budget
Former Treasury boss Ken Henry warns inadequate tax settings are worsening intergenerational inequality as the treasurer prepares for his second budget.
Lack of regional child care a barrier for workers: BHP
Families can wait up to two years for a child-care place in regional areas, making it harder to attract workers, BHP warns in its federal budget submission.
Super objective Labor’s top priority, not tax breaks
The federal government says it has made no decisions about major superannuation tax changes as the opposition continues its attack on the hinted proposals.
‘No mandate’ for changes to superannuation tax breaks
The federal opposition will not support changes to superannuation tax breaks flagged by the treasurer as he looks for opportunities to repair the budget.
Mining, migration make Qld the top economy
The Sunshine State is the country's best-performing state economy for the first time in more than a decade of CommSec rankings.
Qld drivers hit by L-plate ‘rip off’
Queensland drivers are being slugged more than $180 for a learner's permit, more than seven times the cost in other states.
Regional rental stress worse than ever
The latest Rental Affordability Index shows more regional households are facing stress and key workers cannot find homes, in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and WA.
Govt denies cuts to regional Australia
Infrastructure department officials have revealed there was a $1.2 billion decrease in regional spending, but deny it amounts to a funding cut.
Budget ‘fleeced’ NSW again: Perrottet
Dominic Perrottet says NSW has been stiffed of infrastructure funding after money was taken away from several projects.