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.
budgets and budgeting
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.
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.