One of the key labour market indicators that the Reserve Bank of Australia monitors and forecasts is the unemployment rate. This paper finds that information contained in measures of unmet demand, such as job advertisements and vacancies, and consumers’ expectations for unemployment, are useful in informing the RBA’s near-term forecasts for the unemployment rate.

This report contains analysis and projections of economic developments and policies in member countries, of developments in international financial markets, and of the global economic system. It finds that the global economy is at a critical juncture, with significant internal and external imbalances and vulnerabilities, and major policy shifts underway.

Updated information on the Government’s economic and fiscal outlook since the previous budget. Against a challenging global backdrop, economic growth in Australia is expected to improve over the forecast period. It details measures to provide relief to Australians, repair the budget and reform the economy, identifying a number of national priorities.

The report provides independent projections of the Federal Budget, including detailed estimates of future spending and revenues. It forecasts an underlying cash deficit $5.2 billion worse than estimated in the 2024-25 budget. This is a significant deterioration from the $15.8 billion surplus in 2023-24.

An overview of the Australian national fiscal outlook, consolidating forecasts from state and territory budgets with the Australian Government’s budget. Although the fiscal position has worsened across states and territories, the overall outlook has improved, suggesting long-term fiscal sustainability.