Is this the budget we need? Our experts deliver their verdicts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ first budget made good on several of Labor’s election promises, but there is still plenty of work ahead for him and the government.
Five of our experts – David Crowe, Shane Wright, Jessica Irvine, Ross Gittins and Peter Hartcher – run their eyes over what’s in and what’s out and, crucially, what’s yet to come.
Chief political correspondent
Analysis: The devastating line that worked so well for Labor only months ago is now rebounding on Jim Chalmers in a budget that cannot guarantee the most important election promise of all.
“Everything is going up except your wages,” voters were told in a relentless Labor message before the election. “Only Labor has a plan to get wages moving.”
This budget is careful with taxpayer funds without embarking on major changes that put Labor’s political capital at risk. The tough decisions are being put off until May.
Read David Crowe’s full analysis here.
Senior economics correspondent
Analysis: There are no longer four horsemen of the Apocalypse. There are five stubborn donkeys of debt and deficit, and their names are interest, aged care, health, defence and the NDIS.
The 2022-23 redo budget from Jim Chalmers and Katy Gallagher reveals clearly just how the new crew are wreaking havoc through the nation’s finances. Since taking office, they have referenced the five spending donkeys and the long-term financial risk they pose.
The budget confirms the damage.
Read Shane Wright’s full analysis here.
Senior economics writer
Analysis: Australian households hoping for significant cost-of-living “relief” in this budget will be sorely disappointed.
Chalmers has offered a “five-point plan” to provide “responsible cost-of-living relief”, comprising cheaper childcare, expanded parental leave, cheaper medicines, more affordable housing and getting wages moving again.
But households need to prepare for much more short-term pain before this benefit kicks in.
Read Jessica Irvine’s full analysis here.
Economics Editor
Analysis: This “solid and sensible” budget is not so much good or bad as incomplete.
It hints at “hard decisions” to be made but doesn’t make them. Chalmers says it’s “a beginning of the long task of budget repair, not the final destination”.
In the end, all will be revealed. But right now, we’ve been shown little.
Read Ross Gittins’ full analysis here.
Political Editor
Analysis: Dr Jim Chalmers has observed the doctor’s sacred obligation under the Hippocratic oath – do no harm.
His mini-budget doesn’t aggravate any of the problems in the economy or the budget. But it doesn’t do much by way of healing, either.
He’s made a start on delivering some of Labor’s election promises, but also tacitly acknowledged the death of two of its biggest.
Read Peter Hartcher’s full analysis here.
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