We're wrapping up tonight's federal budget live blog. Thanks for joining us. We'll be back tomorrow morning with rolling coverage of the fallout.
Federal Budget 2019: Josh Frydenberg announcement live blog, before federal election is called
Commuters, pensioners and small businesses are among the biggest winners in Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's maiden budget.
Scott Morrison's shock plan to close Christmas Island detention centre again by July has been quietly revealed in the crucial pre-election federal budget.
Tax cuts for 10 million middle-income earners and a massive $100 billion infrastructure plan are the big ticket items in Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's first budget.
Commuters, pensioners and small businesses are among the biggest winners this time.
But far from a "cash splash" budget, the Morrison government is looking to win over voters by being a safe pair of hands for the economy - unveiling Australia's first surplus in more than a decade.
With Prime Minister Morrison expected to call the election on Sunday, the budget also reveals the Coalition's secret weapon will be to attack Labor over increasing taxes.
Updates
THAT'S A WRAP
KOCHIE'S VERDICT ON BUDGET
Money guru David Koch has given his verdict on the "resurrection" budget and what it means for you and your family. Click here to read his take.
HEALTH BUDGET GOOD NEWS FOR PATIENTS
AMA President Tony Bartone described tonight’s statement as “a solid primary health budget” that was particular good news for patients seeing their GP.
But he stressed the AMA wanted to see more in terms of public hospitals, aged care and mental health, among other areas.
“It sets us up for a genuine contest into the election,” he said.
– David Mills
TAX CUTS NOT JUST AN ELECTION PLOY
Josh Frydenberg has defended the government's plan to give out an extra $158 billion in tax cuts for Australians.
Leigh Sales asked if the Morrison government was making a mistake handing out cash instead of banking the money.
Frydenberg denies its a bribe for voters.
"What has happened last year in the budget is we announced a $530 tax offset. We have more than doubled that to $1080.
"If you have a two-income family, let's say a teacher and tradie both earning $50,000 or $60,000 a year, in 13 weeks' time, they will get $2160 additional into their pocket.
"That's money that will go to the quarterly energy bill, the yearly car insurance. This is real money to real people and it's rewarding their effort."
FRYDENBERG COPS GRILLING
Josh Frydenberg has being grilled on the ABC by Leigh Sales who is asking about the $7.1 billion surplus forecast for 2019-20.
She said it's "wafer-thin" while Frydenberg insists its a "very substantial buffer" from the economic headwinds coming Australia's way.
"We have over-achieved," he says.
"We've been conservative in relation to commodity forecasts. Very conservative, based on Treasury advice and extensive consultation."
Sales responds: "You are now at the end of your second term and the surplus is still only a projection. Wouldn't it be reasonable for Australians to judge you harshly at the ballot box for that?"
Frydenberg says Aussies will judge the government on the 1.2 million jobs it created, a record number of women in the workforce, and a record number of people in work.
WARNING ON NEGATIVE GEARING
Ken Morrison, the CEO of the Property Council of Australia stressed the budget was underpinned by assumptions about the nation’s housing market, which he called “Treasury’s biggest economic wildcard”.
“This is not the time to risk big changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax,” he said.
– David Mills
REACTIONS MIXED AFTER SPEECH
Matthew Bowden, of Disability Australia, was “delighted” with funding towards royal commission against violence against people with a disability.
“This is an essential royal commission, it’s going to deliver justice,” he said.
But for Desiree Kai, National President of Students Union, there was disappointment that university students were ignored.
“Majority of students are locked out of education because of a debt
they cannot afford,” she said.
– Natasha Christian
STRONG RESULT FOR FARMERS
National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simpson hailed the budget as a “very strong result… for what has been a tough year for rural and regional communities across Australia”.
The budget, she said , would provide “a healthy environment and strong markets” – two things farmers need.
– David Mills
STANDING OVATION FOR SPEECH
Josh Frydenberg gets a standing ovation from Coalition MPs and the
public gallery as he finishes his speech, writes Claire Bickers.
Applause also rang out seconds ago when he declared the Coalition will
deliver another 1.25 million jobs over the next five years.
He ends by vowing that the Coalition will deliver more jobs, lower
taxes and a strong border.
"Tonight we have set the course for an even better and brighter Australia."
Whether the Coalition will get to deliver its budget will be up to the
Australian people.
We're headed to the polls in May.
KEY FACTORS MISSING FROM SPEECH
Here's a few things the Treasurer didn't mention in his speech:
The government intends to close Christmas Island detention centre – if it can repeal the refugee medivac laws. This is unlikely with three sitting days left before the PM is expected to call the election.
A public national register to name child sex offenders will be established. It will include names and known aliases of child sex offenders, photographs of the offender, their birth date, physical description, general location and nature of offending.
$528 million will go to a royal commission into abuse and neglect in the disability sector will be launched.
An undisclosed amount of money will go towards creating cyber security "sprint teams" to counter hacking efforts by foreign entities. This is after Parliament and the three major political parties were hacked by a foreign power earlier this year.
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