Josh Frydenberg's big-spending budget aims to wrestle back control after a torrid few months exposed the coalition's electoral vulnerabilities.
The treasurer's main focuses on Tuesday were jobs and massive spending on government services that had become politically poisonous.
But with so many of the budget's headline items revealed in the lead up, the nation's books may lack the punch to penetrate the news cycle.
The Morrison government's penchant for controlling the political message was diminished during months of rolling scandals.
Controversy over the Indian travel ban sucked up oxygen for pre-budget announcements.
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins' allegation she was raped at Parliament House triggered a firestorm that raised broader questions about the government's record on women.
In response, the budget spends $3.4 billion on women's safety, economic security and health.
Aged care - another disaster area following a damning royal commission - secured a $17.7 billion package but even that may not be enough to fix the sector.
While the vaccine rollout shaped as the cornerstone of a re-election strategy, it has been beset by problems, blunting a powerful political weapon.
Despite the damage, the coalition remains in the box seat to win a fourth term with Labor's path to victory dark and narrow.
And Scott Morrison has options on election timing.
Huge spending figures raised expectations of an election this year, but a poll could be held as late as May 2022.
Another budget is on the cards if the prime minister takes the later path.
How well this year's economic blueprint is received is likely to figure heavily in his calculations.
Jabs and jobs will be crucial.
If and when the government seizes back momentum on both issues, voters will likely be sent to cast their ballots.
But Morrison - a self-professed "full-termer" - could be forced to live up to that moniker if control isn't clawed back.
