In this year’s budget, Chalmers has to keep a lid on spending – or risk stoking inflation

Crafting a federal budget is never easy. Tonight’s budget is harder than most.

The government faces irreconcilable pressures: spend more to meet community demands, spend less to keep inflation down.

The Reserve Bank is concerned about inflation. Governor Michele Bullock has signalled a preparedness to drive Australia into recession rather than let inflation get out of control.