NAT BARR, HOST: The budget has been handed down overnight, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us live in Canberra. Good morning to you, Prime Minister. Now the Opposition slammed your budget -
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G'day, Nat. And I agree with you, that does look like a very good show. I've been listening to all of that. It looks like a cracker.
BARR: Does it just look like behind the scenes in Canberra, do you think?
SARAH ABO, HOST: Well, it's the surprise of this year's Federal Budget. A tax cut for 12 million Australians. While it's worth just five bucks a week, it's a clear pitch to voters as the Government sets the stage to call a federal election. To discuss this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us live now from Parliament House in Canberra. Good morning to you Prime Minister. What a sales pitch, huh? You've been accused of bribing Australians with this tax cut, are you?
JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: Joining us now from Parliament House is none other than the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister, welcome back to News Breakfast and happy Budget Week.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, James. One advantage that we have here in having a March Budget is that it's a little bit warmer than it usually is in May. So, I think it's not a bad idea to maybe continue this.
SABRA LANE, HOST: Prime Minister, thanks for joining the program.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good to be with you, Sabra.
LANE: When the Budget shows huge deficits for the next decade, how can Australia afford $17 billion in tax cuts?
ISOBELLA EVANS, HOST: Prime Minister, we know how tough times are for households and businesses. Is there enough in this Budget to support the needs of regional New South Wales?
The Albanese Government will deliver two more tax cuts to every Australian taxpayer in 2026 and 2027, adding to the first round that Labor delivered in July last year.
Every Australian taxpayer gets another tax cut from next year – all 14 million, not just some.
This will give a top up to every taxpayer, right up and down the income scale.
Labor’s new tax cuts are modest but they will make a difference.
The Albanese Labor Government is securing Australia’s future during a time of global uncertainty by making our economy more productive and more resilient.
Our best defence against global pressures is a stronger economy, and that’s what we are building in this Budget.
We’re making our economy more dynamic by advancing National Competition Policy reforms and investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure, including the National Broadband Network.
Cost of living is front of mind for most Australians, and front and centre in the Budget.
The Albanese Government is delivering responsible and meaningful cost of living relief for Australian families.
We’re providing more hip pocket help for households.
The centrepiece of the Budget is more tax cuts for every taxpayer, which will benefit 14 million Australians.
Helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn is a central part of our economic plan.
The new tax cuts will top up the relief that started flowing for workers last year.
This is a responsible Budget that helps with the cost of living, while Building Australia’s Future.
We are delivering more tax relief for every Australian taxpayer, more energy bill relief and cheaper medicines.
We are strengthening Medicare, investing in housing and education, advancing reforms to make our economy stronger, and building a Future Made in Australia.
The Budget builds on the strong foundations we have laid, helping to secure our nation’s future at a time of global uncertainty.
SALLY SARA, HOST: My guest this morning is the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister, welcome back to Radio National Breakfast.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Sally.
SARA: Ahead of the election, Prime Minister, is this going to be a no frills Budget or is this going to be a Budget that focuses on providing Australians with much needed cost of living relief?