The annual federal Budget outlines how much revenue the Commonwealth expects to receive, and sets it out against how much, and where, the government will spend it.
It looks at spending in the coming year, and also for up to four years into the future, known as the forward estimates period.
Richard Holden, a Professor of Economics at the University of New South Wales, says one talking point is dominating ahead of this year's federal Budget: the possibility of a surplus.
Typically delivered on the first Tuesday in May, it's unusual for a Budget to be in such close proximity to a federal election.
As the federal election must be held before the end of May, Prime Minister Scott Morrison - who, as Treasurer delivered last year's federal Budget - moved the Budget so it's a month earlier than usual.
Professor Holden says this represents a unique opportunity for the Coalition to canvass votes.
