Australia Reports A$22.3 Billion Deficit, A$6 Billion Below Forecast
Published
Australia's federal government reported an A$22.3 billion underlying cash deficit for 2025–26, equal to 0.8% of GDP. The final outcome was A$6 billion smaller than the A$28.3 billion deficit estimated in the 2026–27 Budget, according to a joint release from Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher on September 28. Payments were A$1.4 billion below the budget estimate, while tax receipts were A$4.6 billion higher. The ministers attributed the stronger receipts partly to superannuation fund and investment income.