Australia unveils tax cuts in pre-election budget

Australia unveils tax cuts in pre-election budget
(Image: Getty)
AFP
Canberra – Australia's left-leaning government will cut income tax, slash student debt and hasten defence spending under an annual budget released Tuesday, courting voters as it readies to fight a tight general election.The Labor government – due to announce the election date by the end of the week – booked a spending deficit of US$17 billion (NZ$29.6b) as it unveiled a swag of surprise tax cuts and pre-poll sweeteners.It pledged to overhaul the country's creaking military and set aside almost US$2b to catalyse a homeg...

More World

Do you need to own a house?
Property

Do you need to own a house?

Rising property taxes and home-repair costs are prompting older people to rent. 

Kids need freedom. Dangerous roads make it hard to grant it
The Life

Kids need freedom. Dangerous roads make it hard to grant it

In recent decades, many of America’s roads have indeed become more chaotic.

No more offshore: startups look to spend and hire in US
Technology

No more offshore: startups look to spend and hire in US

Faster deductions make adding staff cheaper when cash flow is critical, executives say.

France wants to give US scientists refuge
World Opinion

France wants to give US scientists refuge

The situation shows what the US stands to lose when it turns its back on science.