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.
budgets and budgeting
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.
Budget missed chance for relief: Dutton
Peter Dutton has used his first budget reply speech to attack the lack of cost-of-living measures put forward by the government while inflation rises.
No more ‘sleepwalking’ on manufacturing
A $15 billion fund has been set up to stop Australia "sleepwalking" as rival economies seize new opportunities in advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.
Record energy spending amid global crisis
Record budget funding for landmark energy reforms is intended to steady the electricity grid and encourage investors to bankroll Australia's net zero future.
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budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
energy
environmental politics
politics
Climate bill $30b in first carbon budget
Australia's first carbon budget comes with a hefty price tag for climate spending to meet national and international pledges.
Injured veterans to get extra $1000 a year
Injured military veterans will soon receive an extra $1000 a year and hundreds of support staff will be hired to process their claims.
Budget ‘improves liveability’ in regions
The Albanese government says it is committed to regional Australia's future, funding health, skills and connectivity, while delaying dam projects.
Environmental projects get ‘down payment’
More than $1 billion will go towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef, with budget funds also set aside to save the nation's iconic endangered animals.
Billions set aside for aged care reforms
The government will spend billions in the federal budget overhauling the aged care sector, while COVID-19 response measures are also being extended.
Workers must wait two years for a pay rise
A gloomy economy will weigh on household budgets with a boost to real wages not expected until at least mid-2024.
Power prices tipped to rise by 50 per cent
Retail electricity prices are expected to rise by 50 per cent over the next two years, the budget papers have revealed.
Chalmers braces for budget belt tightening
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled a budget that includes cost of living relief and down payments on election promises, but warns of hard decisions to come.
Labor gears up to hand down first budget
Soaring inflation and almost a trillion dollars of debt will set the scene for the Albanese government's first budget.
Budget tips $1b into regional grant revamp
Two new regional grants programs will be introduced by the Albanese government in the upcoming budget, to improve transparency of decision making.
Tasmania, Qld the top-performing states
Tasmania and Queensland have the best economic momentum in the country as NSW and Victoria slide down the rankings.
Labor ready for tough job of budget repair
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher says Tuesday's budget will include over $21 billion in savings and decisions to redirect existing spending.
Budget to look at power price pressure
Labor is promising relief on energy costs in the federal budget as it stands by its election pledge to reduce power bills.
New funding to ‘turn around’ reef health
The Albanese government has outlined $1.2 billion of funding for the Great Barrier Reef ahead of the federal budget.
Regions set for big NBN budget boost
The federal government says a $2.4 billion investment to upgrade NBN fibres will deliver high-speed internet to almost 700,000 regional premises.
Tax cuts to cost $11b more than estimate
The federal treasurer says the controversial stage three tax cuts will cost billions more than previously thought as the government faces calls to scrap them.
PM rejects claims regions left behind
Anthony Albanese has hit back at opposition claims regional areas are being forgotten for infrastructure funding in the upcoming budget.
Govt defends big road and rail spending
The federal government hopes a near-$10 billion infrastructure investment won't do more to drive inflation as it prepares for October 25's budget.
Floods to hit federal, household budgets
The devastating floods hitting large swathes of the country will put more pressure on the already-pressured federal budget and the cost of some essential items.
Put up budget policy or sit down: Labor
Jane Hume has called on the government to focus on cost of living measures leading to Labor accusing the opposition of not offering anything constructive.
Treasurer reveals inflation to hit 7.75pct
Inflation is expected to peak at 7.75 per cent at the end of this year, before moderating into 2023, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Health gets largest-ever NSW budget funds
Health care in NSW has been given a $33 billion boost in the state budget, which the government says will deliver a world-class system for all residents.
NSW pours $2.8 billion into housing boost
The housing package in the NSW budget is the biggest investment made in decades to help more people buy their first home sooner, the premier says.
Budget figures reveal Qld housing pressure
There is little relief for those at the bottom of Queensland's housing market, with state budget figures showing how hard it is to find a stable home.