Treasurer Jim Chalmers: Smaller Revenue Increase Expected in Australia’s Federal Budget

Australia’s Labor government is likely 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 the main factors. Although the government announced a budget surplus on May 14, it noted that revenue growth would be less than in previous years due to falling commodity prices and a softening labor market.

In the upcoming budget, tax receipt upgrades are expected to be over A$100 billion below the A$129 billion average upgrade seen in the last three budgets. This decline is attributed to challenges facing the economy, including decreased global demand, slower domestic growth, a weakening job market, and lower commodity prices.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the realities of the current economic environment and stated that massive revenue upgrades from past budgets were not expected to be sustained. He identified weaker commodity prices and rising unemployment as key factors impacting revenue projections. 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.