Industry sectors fear waning COVID support
The federal budget provided funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID surge in winter but industries are concerned the ball could be dropped.
politics
Government prepares for winter COVID spike
The federal budget, released on Tuesday night, provides funding to prepare the health system for an expected COVID-19 and flu spike in winter.
Concerns budget spend will fuel inflation
Global credit rating agencies have given a nod of approval to the federal budget, but economists see pre-election handouts further fuelling inflation.
Budget a measure for tough times: Morrison
The prime minister says the budget is about more than getting re-elected after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled a number of short-term sweeteners.
Morrison brushes off Lib senator’s swipe
Scott Morrison has dismissed an attack by NSW senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells labelling him unfit to be leader, saying being criticised is part of the job.
Outgoing Liberal senator lashes Morrison
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells - who lost a winnable spot on the NSW Liberal Senate ticket - has savaged Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a fiery speech.
Billions set aside for COVID winter fight
Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions will be reduced for millions of people, while Medicare funding will increase over the next five years.
States to share in $166b of federal funds
Between the GST carve-up and specific purpose payments, the states and territories will share in more than $166 billion in federal funding over the year.
More than $400m to tackle aged care reform
The federal budget has set aside a further $468 million to help implement the recommendations from the aged care royal commission.
Flood recovery to exceed $6 billion
Disaster support for flood-affected communities is likely to exceed $6 billion, with $1.29 billion paid out to individuals, according to the treasurer.
PM defends government response to floods
The prime minister says the federal government is continuing to respond to the ongoing flood crisis in Queensland and NSW with relevant support measures.
Ukrainian president to address parliament
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address federal parliament on Thursday, just hours before the opposition leader will deliver his budget reply.
Qld MP Boyce resigns for Canberra run
Queensland Liberal National Party backbencher Colin Boyce has formally announced his resignation from state parliament to run for the federal seat of Flynn.
Smaller deficits even as Frydenberg spends
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has banked some of the windfall from strong economic growth, low unemployment and a spike in commodity prices.
Pre-poll budget offers cash, cheaper fuel
Australians will get one-off cash handouts and tax breaks and pay less for fuel under new budget measures, but a lack of permanent relief has been criticised.
Federal budget shows 3.75pct jobless rate
The federal budget will forecast the unemployment rate falling to 3.75 per cent later this year, well below what was expected just a few months ago.
Qld athletes added to Games committee
Gold medalist Natalie Cook and Australian sprinter Patrick Johnson will join the organising committee for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Labor finalise crucial election candidates
Labor has endorsed candidates ahead of the upcoming election in key seats, as parties scramble to finish preselection.
One in four children now fully vaccinated
The drive to vaccinate Australian kids against COVID-19 has reached a milestone as new survey results show greater confidence in the healthcare system.
Australia ‘alienates’ Pacific: Albanese
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says Australia must improve action on climate change to keep its relationship with Pacific nations friendly.
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.
Kimberley Kitching farewelled by Senate
The late Kimberley Kitching has been farewelled by parliamentary colleagues in a special sitting of the Senate on Monday.
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.
Boost for ACT’s mental recovery from virus
The ACT and federal governments will spend $38 million on the territory's mental health and suicide prevention services as part of its COVID-19 recovery.
Diplomacy with China shows weakness: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says conciliation is the "last message" he would send to China after it signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands
Brisbane River reopens to boaties
Although clean-up efforts continue, Brisbane River has reopened to boating enthusiasts following the Queensland floods, with a warning to watch out for debris.
More restrictions eased in travel reboot
Within the next month, travellers to Australia will no longer need to provide a negative COVID test result before boarding their flight.
Lifeline gets $52 million funding boost
Prime Minister has Scott Morrison announced more than $52 million in funding for Lifeline's suicide hotline to stem the loss of 3000 Australians every year.
Australia to ease more travel restrictions
Within the next month, travellers to Australia will no longer need to provide a negative COVID test result before boarding a flight.
Housing, health on pre-election agenda
Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison have been on the pre-election campaign trail making announcements on housing and health.
Timing right for centrist return: Xenophon
Former senator Nick Xenophon, who is mounting a comeback, says the recent South Australian election is indicative of the political climate.