This report provides an overall examination of the budget ? including initiatives in media and communications and in the arts ? and detailed analysis in selected areas. The briefs are organised according to the subject matter discussed and the perspective adopted in the analysis. The opening feature article in the economic issues section provides a macroeconomic analysis and commentary of the budget including the key assumptions underpinning the government?s fiscal policy and the main spending and taxing features contained in the budget. The article also provides a discussion on a range of economic indicators and forecasts and an overview on a range of international issues impacting on this year?s Budget. The remaining articles are more tightly focused and examine the impact of the budget across a broad range of specific issues and initiatives.