Budget Night: 12 May 2026
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver the 2026–27 Federal Budget at approximately 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026. This is the first budget since the 2025 federal election.
What We're Watching
Based on pre-budget speculation and government signals, key areas to watch include:
- Capital gains tax discount: Speculation the 50% CGT discount may be reduced to 25% for housing affordability
- Energy rebates: Whether the electricity bill relief is extended
- Housing measures: Further support for first home buyers and rental affordability
- Cost of living: Any new support payments or one-off relief measures
- Superannuation: Possible changes to contribution caps or concessions beyond Division 296
- Tax reform: The Treasurer has signalled a productivity and savings package
- Fuel excise: The government has already cut fuel excise by 26.3c/litre — will this be extended?
Our Analysis — Coming 12 May
Within hours of the budget being handed down, we'll publish a plain-English breakdown of every measure that affects:
- Your income tax
- Your superannuation
- Government payments (Age Pension, JobSeeker, FTB, CCS)
- Housing and property
- Health and Medicare
- Cost of living (energy, fuel, groceries)
Subscribe to Sorted This Week to get the budget analysis delivered to your inbox.
Previous Changes
For reference, here's what changed on 1 July 2025 and what's changing on 1 July 2026:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 budget?
12 May 2026 at approximately 7:30pm AEST. Delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Will there be tax cuts?
The 16% → 15% rate cut is already legislated for 1 July 2026. Whether the budget includes additional measures remains to be seen.
How do I stay updated?
Subscribe to our free newsletter (Sorted This Week) and we'll email you the budget summary the same night.