Federal Budget 2022-23

While a Budget was handed down on 29 March 2022, this second Budget for 2022-23 updates economic forecasts and outlines the new Labor Government's priorities following the May 2022 Federal election.

The Budget estimates an underlying cash deficit of $36.9 billion for 2022-23 (and $44bn for 2023-24). While the economy is expected to grow by 3.25% in 2022-23, it is predicted to slow to 1.5% for 2023-24, a full percentage point lower than forecast in March 2022.

Inflation is expected to peak at 7.75% later in 2022, but is projected to moderate to 3.5% through 2023-24, and return to the Reserve Bank's target range in 2024-25.

Against this backdrop, the Treasurer has sought to exercise fiscal "restraint" so as not to put more pressure on prices, and make the Reserve Bank's job even harder. Rather, the Budget sets out a 5-point plan for cost-of-living relief in the areas of:

(i) child care;

(ii) expanding paid parental leave;

(iii) medicines;

(iv) housing;

(v) getting wages moving.

While the Budget does not contain major tax changes it does seek to begin some "Budget repair work" via tax integrity measures. "By making sure multinationals pay a fairer share of tax in Australia, by extending successful tax compliance programs, and by giving the ATO the resources they need to crack down on tax dodging.

Together, these initiatives save a further $4.7 billion over four years", Dr Chalmers said.