Budget a desperate appeal to spend and hire

The pandemic budget contains extraordinary measures to boost jobs, confidence and the economy. But hoping a nationwide COVID-19 vaccine will exist in a year is a gamble, writes Michelle Grattan.

Why the government must spend to keep nation afloat

Debt is cheap and must be embraced if Australia is to recharge its economy during the worst economic downturn sine the Great Depression, argue Danielle Wood and Tom Crowley.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg outlined the budget's "eye-watering" deficit on Thursday. Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch

Terrible budget numbers are a best-case scenario

The pandemic has blown a massive, lasting hole in Australia’s finances – but the numbers could get worse. Peter Martin explains.

Centrelink debt freeze causes Family Tax Benefit stress

A lack of transparency around how Centrelink’s Family Tax Benefit is balanced has seen some payments stalled, leaving welfare recipients stressed and confused about potential money owed amid the agency’s debt freeze imposed due to coronavirus.

Tax office rips $200m from returns over claimed Centrelink debts

The Australian Taxation Office has collected more than $200 million in the past three years from the tax refunds of Centrelink recipients to recoup overpayments.

Debt warning as credit agency voices doubts on budget savings

A major credit rating agency has sounded an ominous caution over Rob Lucas’s debt-laden state budget, warning its projected savings “could be difficult to achieve” – which would see further borrowing to balance the books.