fxs_header_sponsor_anchor

News

Australian government pledges $10 billion in budget to ease cost of living

Australia's centre-left Labor government said on Monday it would include A$14.6 billion ($9.84 billion) over four years in the federal budget for cost of living relief for families and businesses, which it promised would not stoke inflation.

The news also highlights the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) Friday’s warning that risks to inflation were on the upside given low productivity growth, rising energy prices and a surge in rents.

While conveying the hints for the Tuesday's federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, “The centrepiece of the budget ... will be cost-of-living relief that doesn't add to inflation."

The policymaker also adds that people are under the pump. We've carefully calibrated and designed this Budget so that it takes pressure off the cost-of-living rather than add to it.

Additional details

Chalmers has repeatedly stated his budget would be restrained on spending so as not to add to inflationary pressures, while also giving some relief, after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) last week stunned markets with a rate rise, defying trader expectations for an extended pause.

The latest relief measures come after the government set aside A$11.3 billion for wage rises for aged care workers over four years, while announcing an additional 5% tobacco tax and A$2.4 billion in more tax on oil and gas producers.

Australia's deficit is expected to shrink sharply, the budget is expected to show, as its coffers bulge with tax windfalls from commodity exports, yet the outlook will be a sober one as fiscal challenges loom.

Also read: AUD/USD aims to surpass 0.6750 as Fed to pause hiking rates despite solid US labor market

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers.


RELATED CONTENT

Loading ...



Copyright © 2024 FOREXSTREET S.L., All rights reserved.