Politics news: Government spending soars to $195.8bn on back of rebates, handouts and pay hikes
Federal and state spending has risen 3pc in the three months to September, as an extra $5.7bn was splurged on measures including power bill rebates, Queensland’s 50c public transport fares and public sector wage hikes.
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Hung house fear fuels campaign warchests
Voters in key election seats will be targeted in one of Australia’s biggest third-party campaigns, with industry groups, activists, unions and individuals finalising multimillion-dollar warchests.
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Big business, Dutton on same page
Business chiefs will campaign for measures already endorsed by Peter Dutton and heap pressure on Anthony Albanese over spending, deregulation and tax.
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