The 2021-22 Federal Budget is a balancing act between a better than anticipated deficit ($106 bn), an impending election, and the need
to invest in the long term.
It is also a human budget (cynics would say voter focussed), with $17.7 billion dedicated to aged care, more money in the pockets of low
income earners, the COVID vaccine rollout, $2 billion for mental health, a women’s economic package including a child care subsidy increase
and funding to prevent violence, and a Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide.
KEY FEDERAL BUDGET INITIATIVES
| The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review, and the numbers are in. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage will rise by 5.97%, and modern award minimum rates will increase by 4.75%. |
Now's the time to review what strategies you can use to minimise your tax before 30 June.