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Latest news: Budgets and Budgeting

New Zealand stuck in red as government chases growth

New Zealand stuck in red as government chases growth

New Zealand is mired in deficits and debt, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis's second budget showing the nation's economic pain.

Labor rouses true believers as campaign hits full swing

Labor rouses true believers as campaign hits full swing

Labor rouses true believers as campaign hits full swing

Labor rouses true believers as campaign hits full swing

The official launch of Labor's campaign in a key state sets the stage for a down-to-the-wire election battle as the prime minister looks to boost momentum.

Dutton fuels angst over cost of living in mortgage belt

Dutton fuels angst over cost of living in mortgage belt

Dutton fuels angst over cost of living in mortgage belt

Dutton fuels angst over cost of living in mortgage belt

Peter Dutton has used a keynote address to rally voters in the outer suburbs, promising instant cost-of-living relief across a mortgage belt doing it tough.

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Dutton hopes rail pledge will get Libs back on track

Dutton hopes rail pledge will get Libs back on track

A winery has become a curious backdrop for an airport transport pledge as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton makes his pitch to the outer suburbs.

Coalition energises race for votes with gas and petrol

Coalition energises race for votes with gas and petrol

The coalition have pledged gas investment to bring down power prices as they position themselves as stronger leaders for the nation ahead of the election.

Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply

Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's budget reply has outlined an alternative vision to drive down energy costs and ease pressure on household budgets.

No respite from tax burden on younger workers in budget

No respite from tax burden on younger workers in budget

Young income earners will be increasingly called upon to fund rising public spending unless structural tax reforms are made in the next term of government.

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Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms

Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms

Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms

Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms

Universal $5 a week tax cuts are being raced through parliament as debate around cost of living intensifies ahead of the federal election.

State chugs on with rail loop despite no budget top-up

State chugs on with rail loop despite no budget top-up

State chugs on with rail loop despite no budget top-up

State chugs on with rail loop despite no budget top-up

The federal treasurer won't budget a "big number" to fill a funding hole in a massive rail line project, but the state's premier vows to push on regardless.

Budget fails on new money for violence against women

Budget fails on new money for violence against women

Budget fails on new money for violence against women

Budget fails on new money for violence against women

Anti-family violence groups working with men to put an end to the issue have slammed the lack of new funding for measures in the federal budget.

'This is the time': calls to prioritise rural health

'This is the time': calls to prioritise rural health

'This is the time': calls to prioritise rural health

'This is the time': calls to prioritise rural health

While the federal budget confirmed sweeping reforms to Medicare and billions in health funding, it's unclear how much will reach the bush, medical groups say.

Australia pivots foreign aid to Pacific to cover US cut

Australia pivots foreign aid to Pacific to cover US cut

Australia pivots foreign aid to Pacific to cover US cut

Australia pivots foreign aid to Pacific to cover US cut

Australia will shift $119 million of its foreign aid budget to the Pacific and Southeast Asia to plug holes in critical programs left by US cuts.

First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge

First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge

First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge

First homebuyers, renters centrepiece of housing pledge

First homebuyers and renters struggling to find a home are being offered some hope in a budget that bakes in $33 billion in measures to improve affordability.

Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook

Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook

Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook

Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook

Australia's federal budget is forecast to eclipse $1 trillion in debt for the first time in 2025/26, as global challenges threaten the nation's coffers.

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Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget

All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.

Food and fibre get millions to fend off Trump tariffs

The federal government has moved to defend Australia's agricultural exports, as the sector prepares to have one of its biggest production years on record.

'Optimism' in budget as Australia seen turning a corner

The cost of living will be centre stage in the government's budget as many continue to do it tough, but a cabinet minister says there is reason to have hope.

Labor 'unashamed' in pitch for cost of living vote

The federal budget will deliver help for working people, Anthony Albanese declares, as Labor tries to draw the opposition into revealing its hand.

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Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush

The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.

Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form

The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.

'Hip pocket help' on its way in pre-election sweetener

Australians will receive more energy bill relief in the federal budget but the Liberals argue it's only needed because Labor has allowed costs to blow out.

Budget week to bring inflation, cost-of-living news

The Albanese government will look to further ease cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation when it delivers its fourth budget.

Plans to help more into 'disaster' housing market

Aspiring homeowners could secure a cheaper mortgage and lower deposit by letting the government take a stake, but Peter Dutton questions whether they want to.

Treasurer to tighten belt in 'few surprises' budget

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hosed down speculation of a major upgrade to forecast revenue and warned of "few surprises" on budget night.

Cost-of-living crunch fuelling DV support service need

Women's Legal Services Australia says urgent federal funding is needed to ensure women fleeing domestic violence have access to specialist legal support.

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