The budget striptease

Ahead of budget day, what do we know, or think we know, about what the Finance Minister will present at 4pm tomorrow?

There’ll be something for the manufacturing sector. And a new focus on skills training. And money for infrastructure. And some tax loopholes will be closed. And changes to public sector sick leave and disability insurance. And more spending cuts, including cuts to the Defence Department. And nuclear liabilities will add $2.4 to the deficit.

What’s left to announce? If we’re placing bets, I’ll take a flyer on a royal commission on taxation.

Meanwhile, Paul Wells looks at the cuts already made. And John Geddes identifies five areas to watch.