Big tobacco excise increases have been used to boost the budget bottom line. But fewer smokers,more vapers and a burgeoning black market are killing the tax cash cow.
Chemist Warehouse will be stripped of its ability to give its customers $1 off their medicines under a change the Pharmacy Guild has been pushing for years.
We pick apart an abridged version of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget speech – and explain five key points.
As more students need help,budget figures raise the stakes in tense government negotiations over spending on schools and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The government is mandating universities pass on 40 per cent of student amenities fees to student unions.
Australians will be able access a free digital mental health service whenever they need help under a federal response to demand for better mental health support.
Tuesday’s budget is expected to include new funding for an investigation of racism in higher education as two teals back Coalition calls for an antisemitism inquiry.
As new analysis shows federal spending on family,domestic and sexual violence has soared from $2 million to $644 million over the last 10 years,experts are asking for better evidence and more action.
The banks say it should be up to financial regulators to determine whether student debt gets special treatment in mortgage assessments.
Education Minister Jason Clare’s vision for getting more disadvantaged students into universities will be outlined in next week’s budget.
“I think there’s a strong argument for a royal commission if we know that it’s going to produce the evidence,” the opposition leader says.