Budget 2019/20: Key figures and measures
For the first time in 12 years, Australia is again paying its own way, says Josh Frydenberg, which represents a turnaround of $55bn since 2013 when the coalition was elected.
Key financial figures and government fiscal measures in the 2019/20 federal budget:
- First Australian budget surplus in 12 years forecast for 2019/20 financial year, representing a turnaround of $55bn since 2013 when the coalition was elected;
- The surplus of $7.1bn is better than the government's previous forecast of $4.1bn;
- Bringing forward of tax relief for about 10 million workers earning up to $126,000 a year, adding up to $1080 to individual pay packets;
- A cut in the tax rate paid by 94 per cent of Australians to 30pct, from 32.5pct, in July 2024;
- The government is also projecting more surpluses in three years from 2020/21;
- The surplus forecasts of $11bn, $17.8bn and $9.2bn are less than previously forecast;
- Commonwealth net debt forecast at $361bn - or 18pc of GDP - in 2019/20;
- Government expected to eliminate net debt by 2029/30 'or sooner';
- Gross domestic product forecast to grow by 2.75pc in 2019/20 and 2020/21;
- Employment to grow by 1.75pc in next two years;
- Government pledges to create extra 1.25 million jobs over next five years;
- Jobless rate forecast at 5pc over next four financial years;
- Wages tipped to grow by 2.75pc next year and 3.25pc in 2020/21;
- Inflation to remain subdued around 2.25-2.50pc in next two years;
- Expansion of instant asset write-off to businesses with turnover of up to $50m;
- Increase in instant asset write-off amount to $30,000, from $25,000.