Good morning. The federal government is gearing up for Tuesday’s budget, with new spending announced. In-person talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams are set to resume on Monday amid concerns that Russia is trying to split Ukraine in two to create a Moscow-controlled region.
The Morrison government will use Tuesday’s budget to unveil a multibillion-dollar national infrastructure spend that includes projects in key marginal seats, with $17.9bn in new money to be spent over the next decade. The largest new spending commitment is $3.1bn for the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal in Victoria. In New South Wales, the government has committed $8m towards planning the duplication of the New England Highway between Muswellbrook and Singleton. In Queensland, $1.6bn will be announced for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension. Scott Morrison also says the government will deliver a cost of living package that will offer relief “right across the Australian community”, amid growing expectations that the fuel excise will be cut.
