The major political parties have begun outlining spending and cost-cutting measures ahead of the 2019 federal election, expected to be held in May.
But before then will be the delivery of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's first federal Budget, on April the 2nd.
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.
"The government is very keen to try and campaign on its economic management credentials. I think it sees this as a way, particularly if there is a return to surplus, for them to be able to campaign on those credentials," Professor Holden said.
Opinion polling has consistently shown since the Liberal Party leadership spill last year, the Coalition is headed for an election defeat.
And as Phil Lewis, Professor of Economics at the University of Canberra, explains, the Coalition could use that to their advantage.
"I think most people are expecting this government won’t be re-elected, so in a way, they can promise a lot more. There's a good chance that there will be a Labor government that will bring in a Budget of their own almost as soon as the election is over. So it's very interesting, because a lot of people don’t expect these (Coalition Budget) measures are actually going to come into effect," Professor Lewis said.
Labor has already announced a series of spending and cost-cutting measures it plans to implement if it forms government.
Some economists are predicting a newly-formed Labor government will have so much planned in terms of extra expenditure, any Budget it announces might run a deficit.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver his first federal Budget on April the 2nd at 7:30pm (AEDT).
