The Latest Breaking News from Jim Chalmers

Labor says the 2022-23 budget is ‘not a plan for Australia’s future’ and promises to focus on health and long-term planning in budget reply

The opposition is criticising the government’s “giveaway” budget but, predictably, with the election close, is not opposing its cost of living package, which includes a temporary cut in full excise and billions of dollars for low and middle income taxpayers, pensioners and welfare recipients.

With an election looming, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg uses his address at the National Press Club to convince Australians his government's budget is the way forward for the country.

Labor has hit back at the federal government's big-spending budget featuring billions of dollars worth of tax offsets, cash payments and fuel excise relief.

Labor and the Greens have taken aim at Tuesday's budget for trying to buy votes ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Extra tax cut for 10 million low and middle income workers worth up to $420 – while fuel excise will be slashed for next six months

The expectations of Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg repeating their escape from the political pickle they are in with the budget are low.

Australians will get one-off cash handouts and tax breaks and pay less for fuel under a raft of pre-election sweeteners announced in the federal budget.

Largest new spending is $3.1bn for Melbourne Intermodal Terminal with package also allocating $140m for a regional road safety program

Scott Morrison finally got his way at the weekend when the Liberal federal executive agreed to candidates for several key NSW seats being picked by a three-person committee rather than the rank and file having their say.

Labor is hinting it will support key Coalition budget measures designed to ease the cost of living, including a temporary cut to the fuel excise.