Tuesday’s pandemic budget, which the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, insists is not a “spendathon”, will pump billions of dollars into the economy as the government attempts to cement Australia’s economic recovery after last year’s downturn.
With Australia’s borders closed for the foreseeable future and the government aiming for an unemployment rate below 5%, the budget will have a focus on stimulating the domestic economy and job creation.
The 2021-22 budget has also been put together with an eye to the next election, with a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure package targeting key battleground electorates. The government is also hoping a focus on women will help lift its standing among female voters.
