City
Epaper

Aus budget surplus threatened by bushfires: TreasureR

By IANS | Updated: January 21, 2020 09:15 IST

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday warned that the government's promised budget surplus could be jeopardized by the bushfire crisis.

Open in App

Frydenberg had previously promised to deliver a budget surplus of A$5 billion ($3 billion) in financial year 2019-20, the first surplus since 2007-08, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, he conceded that the surplus could be diminished by the "uncertain" economic impacts of bushfire that have affected Australia's states and territories.

"The budget is back in balance for the first time in 11 years," he said.

"What the Australian people know is that when you are responsible for economic managers you have the financial flexibility to respond to crises and economic shocks whenever they may occur. This is one."

The government has announced A$500 million ($343 million) in funding for bushfire relief efforts this financial year.

Frydenberg said that while that figure would not be enough to threaten the surplus, the impact on tourism and the housing market could have far-reaching implications.

Earlier this month, the Australian Tourism Export Council warned that the fires could cost the industry A$4.5 billion ($3 billion) in calendar year 2020 alone, with foreign visitors already cancelling their plans to visit the country.

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has said that the government can be excused for failing to deliver a surplus because of the extraordinary circumstances.

Since September, blazes have killed at least 29 people, destroyed over 2,000 homes and burnt through 10 million hectares of land - an area almost the size of England.

The crisis has been exacerbated by record temperatures, a severe drought and climate change.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

TechnologyRailTel wins Rs 90 crore order from Institute of Road Transport

BusinessRailTel wins Rs 90 crore order from Institute of Road Transport

InternationalChina raises national flag on disputed reef near Philippine base, escalating tensions in South China Sea

InternationalLapu Lapu Festival Tragedy: 9 Killed, Several Injured After Man Drives Into Crowd at Filipino Festival in Vancouver

TechnologyActing president instructs govt to check SK Telecom's measures over data leak

International Realted Stories

InternationalLynched for belief: The systemic persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan (IANS Analysis)

InternationalNine killed after man drives SUV into Canada street festival

InternationalBYC leaders enter third day of hunger strike amid media silence; Bebarg Baloch's health critically worsens

InternationalSouth Korea: Lee Jae-myung tapped presidential candidate for Democratic Party

InternationalUS military considering permanent deployment of F-35 fighter jets to South Korea: Report