Almost $15 billion in cost of living relief over four years will be at the centre of the Albanese government's second budget, but a key element — electricity bill relief — is being criticised as insufficient and short-lived.
The $14.6 billion package over the forward estimates includes $1.5 billion in electricity bill relief for more than 5 million households and a further 1 million small businesses.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the government had also identified $17.8 billion in spending it would re-prioritise, including the previously announced $7.8 billion in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
