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.
budgets and budgeting
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.
Qld electricity prices won’t fund budget
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick says public electricity generators will use profits they've earned on the wholesale market to transition to renewable energy.
‘Reform’ budget for NSW ahead of election
After more than a decade in power, the NSW coalition government has delivered a "transformational" budget as it prepares for an election in nine months.
NSW premier commits to extra ICAC funding
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has pledged more funds to the states anti-corruption watchdog, hours after the prime minister launched new attacks on the agency.
Albanese outlines aged care sector reform
Anthony Albanese used his budget reply speech to outline changes to aged care should Labor win the next election.
Exports and innovation in $600m ag spend
The government's agriculture budget aims to make it easier for farmers to export their products, with hopes the sector will be worth $100 billion by 2030.
Pre-election budget to ease cost of living
Tuesday night's federal budget is expected to include a cut to the fuel excise as well as assistance for more first home buyers.
Budget to enjoy dividend of strong economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Tuesday's budget will show a significant improvement in the bottom line as a result of a strong economy.
Councils want $200m to disaster-proof
Local councils are calling for $200 million a year in the federal budget for disaster mitigation, along with additional funds to address climate change.
WA set to host US, UK nuclear submarines
Defence will carry out a study on how WA can be used to support nuclear-powered submarines from the US and the UK as part of the AUKUS agreement.
Treasurer coy on low income tax benefit
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says any new tax measures will be announced in the March 29 budget, which would be just weeks out from the federal election.