Federal budget
Exclusive
Renewables
Labor mulls supersizing paid parental leave scheme
With all eyes on Josh Frydenberg’s Tuesday federal budget, Labor is war-gaming how it will respond to the government’s offering.
- by James Massola
Latest
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Domestic violence
Woman-friendly budget: Funding for domestic violence prevention, health programs
The focus on women comes after a difficult three months in which the Morrison government was rocked by allegations of sexual assault and the poor treatment of women in the federal Parliament.
- by James Massola
‘Minimal help, maximum hype’: Single parents housing package criticised for helping only a ‘handful’
A Morrison government initiative to allow single parents to buy a home with a 2 per cent deposit has met a lukewarm welcome.
- by James Massola
Exclusive
Josh Frydenberg
Spending to be targeted as jobs boom delivers more to bottom line than iron ore
The surge in jobs will add more to the budget than soaring iron ore prices, but Josh Frydenberg hosed down talk of new stimulus, promising structural spending in aged care and mental health.
- by David Crowe
Opinion
Federal politics
Voters driven to distraction by Morrison’s short-term splurge
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is quickly rebuilding a coronavirus-ravaged economy in the short term. But beyond this, his plans are a mystery.
- by Peter Hartcher
The unexpected stimulus: How the closed border helped save the economy
When the pandemic hit, Australians were barred from leaving the country. With nowhere to go, would-be travellers have become pivotal to this year’s budget.
- by Shane Wright
First-home buyers get budget help to enter skyrocketing market
Australians will be given more help to buy their first homes in a federal budget boost that offers loan guarantees and more scope for people to use superannuation to save a deposit.
- by David Crowe
Analysis
Coronavirus pandemic
Going for gold: RBA urges government to go faster, higher, stronger
Ahead of the federal budget, the Reserve Bank has urged the government to adopt the Olympic motto of citius, altius, fortius.
- by Shane Wright
Funding lifeline for delayed Broadbeach to Burleigh light rail
A contract dispute between the state government and builders, John Holland Group, has forced delays and a budget blowout on the light rail extension.
- by Lydia Lynch
Exclusive
History
Military history disintegrates in Archives while War Memorial reaps cash
Historians are mystified why the government seems to treat Australia’s military history with reverence at the War Memorial but indifference in the National Archives.
- by Katina Curtis and Shane Wright
Billionaire’s proposed LNG import terminal to share in $40m budget boost for gas projects
A pipeline expansion, a gas-storage project and the Andrew Forrest-backed terminal will receive funding to fast-track their development, with Energy Minister Angus Taylor saying infrastructure will be crucial to prevent supply shortfalls.
- by Nick Toscano and Mike Foley