Australian Federal Budget 2025 – Insights from Bentleys
By Tony Sacre, CEO, Bentleys Network
On Tuesday 25 March, Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the fourth federal budget for the Labor government. Consistent with previous budgets, the Treasurer emphasised that the 2025 budget focuses on balancing the need to limit spending while providing sufficient support for Australian households grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.
A significant emphasis has also been placed on strengthening Australia’s economic resilience amid rising global uncertainty, particularly due to impending tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
The current government has been helped in past years through windfalls in revenues which have more than offset an underlying structural budget deficit. The government has now forecast the deficit to be $42.1 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with this deficit persisting over the forward estimates with debt to exceed $1 trillion.
However, the deficit is framed within an economy with growth, lower inflation within a comfortable range and low unemployment.
Labelling the budget as a “platform for prosperity in the new global context,” the government plans to fund a “Buy Australian” campaign and has announced various measures aimed at building a “more competitive and productive” economy.
As expected, the Opposition has been quick to criticise the budget, suggesting it has all the hallmarks of an election budget – designed for the next five weeks, assuming an election will be called soon.
In response, the Treasurer described this as a “responsible” budget that aims to “build Australia’s future.”
Will it be enough to win an election? It’s likely that we’ll find out in around five weeks.
Our team of specialists at Bentleys have collaborated to share their insights into what the budget means for you, your family, and your business. Their collective wisdom offers expert perspective that is well respected by our clients. We hope you find this analysis valuable.
If you have any questions about how this budget impacts you and your business, please contact your local Bentleys advisor.
We are here to assist you in navigating through the information and to help you get where you want to be.
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Whether you need advice on navigating the implications of the federal budget or strategic guidance for your business, our experts are ready to assist. Contact us today.
