Israeli attacks leave at least 20 dead in Gaza
By Rodrigo Santos Andrade
Labor’s goal of achieving a balanced budget has been pushed back as the federal budget is now expected to remain in deficit for up to a decade.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed the biggest drivers for this change after he handed down the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook on Wednesday.
Interest on government debt, NDIS, defence, medical benefits, and the Child Care Subsidy were noted as the fastest-growing major payments.
Meanwhile, a decrease in tobacco tax revenue and a decline in immigration are complicating the treasurer’s job.