The 2021-22 Federal Budget is a balancing act between a better than anticipated deficit ($106 bn), an impending election, and the need
to invest in the long term.
It is also a human budget (cynics would say voter focussed), with $17.7 billion dedicated to aged care, more money in the pockets of low
income earners, the COVID vaccine rollout, $2 billion for mental health, a women’s economic package including a child care subsidy increase
and funding to prevent violence, and a Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide.
KEY FEDERAL BUDGET INITIATIVES
Paying off your mortgage is a significant financial milestone, but once you’ve reached the halfway mark, what’s the best next step? Should you continue aggressively paying it down, start investing, or focus on building your superannuation?