Albanese signals May budget likely to include extension of energy price relief for small business and families

In a speech for Cosboa, Anthony Albanese signals the energy price support will probably be rolled over in the May budget. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Anthony Albanese will give the strongest signal yet that the government will extend energy price relief, as he declares that small businesses and families will be “front and centre” in the May budget.

In an address to the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (Cosboa) on Thursday, the prime minister will say that the cost of living measure has “helped people under pressure – and it helped fight inflation”, signalling the support of up to $650 to 1m small businesses and 5m families will probably be rolled over in the May budget.