The Latest Breaking News from Jim Chalmers

The opposition is criticising the government’s “giveaway” budget but, predictably, with the election close, is not opposing its cost of living package, which includes a temporary cut in full excise and billions of dollars for low and middle income taxpayers, pensioners and welfare recipients.

With an election looming, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg uses his address at the National Press Club to convince Australians his government's budget is the way forward for the country.

Australians will get one-off cash handouts and tax breaks and pay less for fuel under a raft of pre-election sweeteners announced in the federal budget.

Largest new spending is $3.1bn for Melbourne Intermodal Terminal with package also allocating $140m for a regional road safety program

Scott Morrison finally got his way at the weekend when the Liberal federal executive agreed to candidates for several key NSW seats being picked by a three-person committee rather than the rank and file having their say.

Labor is hinting it will support key Coalition budget measures designed to ease the cost of living, including a temporary cut to the fuel excise.

Coalition extends apprenticeship wage subsidy ahead of Tuesday night’s budget, which is expected to offer financial assistance to households

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg all but confirms motorists will be given relief at the petrol pump under a package of cost-of-living measures in Tuesday's federal budget.

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