Australia’s Labor government is expected to report a smaller revenue increase in its federal budget for the year ended June 30, citing global economic weakness and a slowing domestic economy as key factors. Despite announcing a budget surplus on May 14, the government noted that the revenue upgrade would be less than in previous years due to falling commodity prices and a softening labor market.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the realities of the current economic environment, stating that massive revenue upgrades from past budgets were not expected to be sustained. He identified weaker commodity prices and rising unemployment, with the jobless rate hitting a two-year high of 4.1% in January, as key factors impacting revenue projections.
In addition to these challenges, Chalmers also highlighted concerns about events in the Middle East affecting the global economy, which would shape decisions in the upcoming budget. With uncertainty prevailing in the economic landscape, Australia remains cautious about revenue expectations and growth prospects in the near term.
Tax receipt upgrades in the upcoming budget, excluding those from goods and services tax, are anticipated to be over A$100 billion below the A$129 billion average upgrade seen in the last three budgets. This decline is attributed to decreased global demand, slower domestic growth, a weakening job market, and lower commodity prices.