Weekly Wrap Up
As the Albanese Government grapples with fallout from Cyclone Alfred and US steel and aluminium tariffs, attention is now turning to the upcoming Federal Budget on 25 March. Meanwhile, WA Labor secured re-election despite a double-digit swing, and the latest Newspoll shows the Coalition leading 51–49 on a two-party preferred basis.
2025 Federal Election
Australia is officially heading to the polls on 3 May. With the Federal Budget handed down and the campaign now underway, cost of living, health, housing, and energy are emerging as defining election issues. GRACosway breaks down the major themes, key battlegrounds, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
NSW Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s 2025–26 NSW Budget delivers a modestly optimistic economic outlook, with a projected return to surplus by 2027–28. Prioritising housing, essential services, and productivity, the Budget includes major investments in education, infrastructure and health, while establishing new initiatives to accelerate housing delivery and attract large-scale private investment.
Weekly Wrap Up
US trade tensions escalate as tariffs extend to beef and pharmaceuticals, while Cyclone Alfred recovery efforts continue across Queensland and NSW. With Budget Week approaching, cost of living relief is expected to dominate debate. Meanwhile, key developments in energy, infrastructure, defence, and workplace reforms shape the policy landscape as campaigning ramps up.
VIC Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has handed down her first State Budget, delivering a fiscally restrained but politically strategic plan ahead of the 2026 election. While net debt is forecast to rise to $194 billion, the Budget delivers a projected $600 million operating surplus — the first since the pandemic — and focuses on cost of living relief, health and education investment, infrastructure delivery, and public sector reform.
QLD Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer David Janetzki delivered the Crisafulli Government’s first Budget amid challenging economic conditions. With debt and deficits still high, the LNP unveiled a pro-growth plan centred on housing, infrastructure, and cost-of-living relief—alongside new energy, health and Olympics spending—to position Queensland as “open for business” and ready for long-term recovery.
SA Budget Insights 2025-26
South Australia’s final Budget before the 2026 election avoids the usual pre-election fanfare, instead reinforcing Labor’s priorities on health and policing. With few surprises and a slim surplus, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan cast it as a steady platform for re-election, emphasising progress made and caution on future infrastructure commitments.
The Opposition Responds: Highlights from the 2025 Budget in Reply
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton used his 2025 Budget Reply to announce key Coalition policies, including a National Gas Plan, halving the fuel excise, and cutting migration, framing the next election as a defining moment for Australia’s future.
Federal Budget Insights 2025-26
The 2025–26 Federal Budget marks a return to deficit amid global uncertainty and domestic cost of living pressures. With new tax cuts, energy rebates and continued investment in health, housing and defence, the Government aims to steady the economy ahead of the upcoming federal election.
Weekly Wrap Up
This week’s wrap up covers the looming federal election call, Cyclone Alfred’s impact, economic growth driven by exports, and key policy shifts in foreign investment, competition, and trade. Plus, major updates on gender pay gap data, infrastructure investments, and defence strategy. Stay informed with Australia’s top political and economic news.