The Victorian Government introduced the Early Intervention Investment Framework in 2021 with the aim to guide early intervention policy and budget proposals that focus to improve lives of inhabitants by linking government’s funding to quantifiable impacts. This case study gives an overview of the framework which provides a basis for trialling innovative early intervention initiatives.

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.

This examination of growing off-budget spending by Australian federal and state governments warns that the practice sacrifices transparency and accountability to advance policy objectives. The author argues that by improving the appearance (but not the reality) of the budget position, the practice creates long-term fiscal risks that are not fully appreciated by government.

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.