Treasurer Wayne Swan will deliver his third budget tonight, labelling it a no frills affair.
Already he's promised a smaller deficit than forecast a year ago as the economy recovers with a strict two per cent cap on all new spending.
The government's expected to spend on health, with more than seven billion dollars for elective surgery, doctor training, aged care and improving hospital wait times, plus money to employ more nurses for a wider range of services.
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The nurses union said the plan to fund more nurses to work in GP clinics could entice nurses burnt out in the public hospital system back into the profession.
But mining companies will be asked to hand over 40 per cent of 'super profits' from 2012, while the government increases Superannuation contributions from ten to 12 per cent by 2019.
Most working people will be watching the Income Tax Rate, with promised tax cuts expected.
A tax hike on cigarettes is expected to reap five billion dollars over four years and big business can expect the company tax rate cut from 30 to 28 per cent from July next year.
The union movement has urged the federal government to deliver a cautious budget, but one with tax cuts and extra spending on education, health, infrastructure and skills.
You can keep track of the day's developments, including analysis and interviews, with our Special Coverage minisite.
