Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has hinted the federal budget could return to surplus sooner than expected after the release of strong economic growth figures.
The economy in 2017/18 expanded at its fastest pace since the mining boom six years ago, figures released on Wednesday show, beating financial market expectations.
Asked if that meant the budget could be back in the black sooner, Mr Frydenberg said: "The numbers yesterday were better than expected and that will flow through in the final budget outcome".
"I will release a final budget outcome later this month and certainly that (data) was good news for the budget," he told Nine Network Thursday.
The budget is currently forecast to return to surplus in 2019/20.
