% of GDP - Source frequency: annual
The difference between federal government revenue and spending as a share of the economy. Positive = surplus; Negative = deficit.
Persistent deficits add to debt. Surpluses reduce debt and provide a buffer for future downturns.
Higher is better
Source: Australian Government Budget Papers; MYEFO statements
GREEN = favorable trend within acceptable band of baseline. AMBER = flat or mild change. RED = unfavorable trend beyond threshold.
