Federal government budgets are always strange affairs. They are billed as fact-based, hardnosed economics, when in fact they are far more about political theatre and posturing. While the budget is supposed to reveal the economic credentials of a government, most economists are left shaking their heads. Take the debate around the surplus. Both the Government and the Opposition seem to believe that a surplus as soon as possible is incredibly important. Yet most economists would have no problem with the budget being in deficit given the current economic conditions.
Related documents
General Enquiries
Tanya Martin Office Manager
Media Enquiries
Jake Wishart Senior Media Adviser