Long-term budget hole in focus as Deloitte tips deepening deficits
Economists are turning their attention to the budget, with Deloitte Access Economics tipping a worsening fiscal hole starting with a $26 billion deficit next week.
With about a week until the 2025 federal budget, economists and government officials can expect to face questions about long-term fiscal sustainability and the chances of meaningful reform. This includes tough issues and contentious topics such as tax and productivity.
Here’s what you need to know about the key economic data releases this week.
New numbers
The data: Overseas arrivals and departures, January 2025, Australian Bureau of Statistics
When: Tuesday 18 March 2025
More to watch: National, state and territory population data will be updated for the September quarter on Thursday.
The data: Labour force, February 2025, Australian Bureau of Statistics
When: Thursday 20 March 2025
What to expect: There’s not a lot of data coming out before the RBA meets again to decide on rates in April. One of the more critical indicators, though, is how the employment market is holding up. This data will give the latest pulse on
