Treasurer issues challenge over offshore gas tax change
The treasurer has challenged the opposition and the Greens to pass new laws taxing offshore gas companies and bringing forward revenue to boost the budget.
state budget and tax
Five areas earmarked to boost living standards, wages
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is one of the nations best-placed to respond to global economic headwinds, given the strength of its labour market.
Star casino given break from ‘killer’ pokies tax
Troubled casino The Star Sydney will be granted a reprieve from a NSW tax hike in return for guaranteeing 3000 jobs for the next seven years.
Investor delight as Star casino gets $310m tax break
A decision to delay a tax hike on Sydney's biggest casino to ward off closure has raised questions about NSW's priorities amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Victorians to pay the country’s most property taxes
A report has laid bare the extent to which both the Victorian and NSW state budgets depend on property taxes.
Wellcamp report finds failings on transparency, value
An audit report criticises the Queensland government's transparency on the cost and value of its Wellcamp quarantine facility but the premier remains defiant.
ACT budget shows population, economy are set for growth
The latest ACT budget shows the national capital is on track to become the fastest-growing state or territory in the country.
‘Tough choices’ for NSW amid per-capita recession worry
NSW families are being warned about tough decisions that must be made on government spending as inflation bites the country's largest employer.
NSW financial woes to be laid bare as budget looms
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will deliver an economic statement to parliament, updating the state's finances after deferring the budget until September.
LNP attacks consultants, vows public service changes
Queensland's opposition leader has vowed to empower the public service and end the government's "obsession" with consultants as he made the LNP's budget reply.
Steep rate rises cleared for NSW councils
Some NSW councils will be able to increase rates this year by more than a third as many local governments struggle with financial pressures.
Housing and health at the heart of SA budget
The SA government is pouring nearly half a billion dollars into new affordable homes, public housing and to assist first home buyers.
Qld leads the way as state basks in budget surplus
Australian states and territories are being urged to follow Queensland's lead as the state basks in a historic $12.3 billion budget surplus.
Coal royalties fuel cost of living relief in Qld budget
Soaring coal and gas prices have helped fuel a record surplus of $12.3 billion in Queensland, to be largely channelled into relieving pressure on living costs.
Qld budget to fund 500 social homes by mid-2025
Queensland's budget will include over $320 million for social homes with the government saying it's "pulling every lever" to address the housing shortage.
Treasurer tells miners to respect those doing in tough
The mining lobby should "show some respect" to people doing it tough and not complain about paying a little more tax, Queensland's treasurer says.
Hot coal powers record budget surplus, costs relief
Soaring gas and coal prices have led to a record surplus of $12.3 billion in Queensland, to be largely channelled into relieving cost of living pressures.
Budget boost for Qld regional maternity services
Maternity services in regional Queensland will be bolstered with a $42 million investment in the state budget to be handed down next week.
Treasurer flags rent cap amid ‘tough’ Vic budget sell
Treasurer Tim Pallas has faced the business community to sell his "tough" Victorian budget amid concerns a land tax levy will further inflame the rental crisis.
Queensland floats universal ‘free kindy’ before budget
The Queensland government has floated making kindergarten free for all children as a cost-of-living-busting measure ahead of the upcoming state budget.
Vow to spare Victorian families COVID debt budget bill
Victorians are bracing for bad news as the state government prepares to hand down its 2023/24 budget, which is expected to tackle record debt.
Businesses, landlords slugged to claw back Vic debt
A tax will be levied on big business and landlords under a $31.5 billion state budget plan but there are fears it will flow through to ordinary Victorians.
Victoria swings axe to fell native logging industry
The Victorian government will phase out native timber logging in 2024 and has announced a transition package in the state budget.
Business SA backs tax cut for regional companies
South Australia's peak business group has called for regional companies to get a payroll tax discount in the upcoming state budget.
WA budget billions to fund cost-of-living measures
The WA government has unveiled a $4.2b budget surplus on the back of solid economic growth, with cost-of-living relief and health key budget priorities.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Environment groups blast ‘timid’ biodiversity funding
Australia's shocking loss of nature will not be fixed under a federal budget like the one delivered on Tuesday, conservation groups say.
NT budget locks in roads and ports for mining future
The Northern Territory is on track to return to surplus by 2026-27 as mining royalties and a greater share of GST boosts the coffers, Treasurer Eva Lawler says.
Workers on track for fastest wage growth in decades
Fierce competition for workers and government wage polices are expected to underpin strong wage growth in 2024, the federal budget papers confirm.
Higher coal royalties could net Qld an extra $5b
Queensland's coal royalty scheme targeting high global prices could add an extra $5 billion to the state budget's bottom line, the industry says.