This review of budgeting in Australia concentrates on the national government only.
The article first discusses Australia’s recent economic and fiscal performance and
then focuses on the budget formulation process. After a discussion of the role of the
Parliament, the article reviews various aspects of budget implementation and
management. The article concludes with a special section on Australia’s efforts
to eliminate “red tape” within government. This review was undertaken in
September 2007; following the election of a new government in Australia in
November 2007, some new policies are highlighted, encompassing budget
formulation, processes, accounting and management.