Federal budget 2022-23:
relief amid the pain
1 November 2022
The first budget from a new government manages high debt, attempts to boost the economy and ease some cost pressures.
The Albanese government’s first budget, delivered last week, focused on delivering its election promises while preparing the nation for increasingly difficult economic conditions.
Of most relevance for smartMonday members were budget initiatives to help with living costs, extending downsizing provisions in superannuation, and investments to improve the economy.
Managing the nation’s high federal debt was perhaps the government’s first priority. Delivering the budget last Tuesday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised the government would restrain its spending so it’s better able to deal with Australia’s increasing social welfare costs and the interest payments on its debt.
The budget was prepared in the shadow of worsening expectations for the Australian economy: forecast higher unemployment, much higher energy costs and generally higher prices. This also means the government expects lower tax revenue in the years ahead.