At last Joe Hockey has something to cheer about.
As the treasurer puts together the mid-year review of his troubled budget, at least the economy is showing some spirit.
New figures fuelled expectations that Wednesday's national accounts will show a solid growth outcome for the September quarter, keeping the annual rate of gross domestic product comfortably above three per cent.
Exports are expected to lift growth in the quarter, more than offsetting weaker government spending, while more up-to-date building approvals numbers for October soared.
"There is a lot of good evidence around that the Australian economy is back on track and is going to strengthen," Mr Hockey said on Tuesday.
That would appear to counter recent speculation that a cut in interest rates may be needed next year.
There was little in the statement of Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens, following a monthly board meeting, to indicate a rate cut was on the cards either.
Leaving the cash rate at 2.5 per cent for a further month, Mr Stevens reiterated that monetary policy remained appropriate and a period of stability in rates was the "most prudent course".
The rate has been at all-time low since August 2013.
However, while real GDP appears to be ramping up to its long term trend - a good sign for future employment growth - nominal GDP that accounts for profits, wages and the terms of trade, remains in the doldrums.
And there lies Mr Hockey's problems when it comes to revenue, and why economists are expecting bigger budget deficits than forecast in the May budget.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott avoided putting a timetable on returning the budget to surplus, having previously promised it would be in "broad balance" in 2017/18.
"Does the prime minister stand by this commitment?", shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said in question time.
Mr Abbott said the coalition made a number of commitments in the lead-up to the 2013 election, one of which was getting the budget back under control.
"This government is absolutely ... determined to restore the budget to surplus as quickly as we reasonably can," he said.
Mr Hockey said the government will do everything it can to strengthen the economy, while urging Australians to put the deteriorating federal budget out of mind.
"Don't let Santa down; go and spend for Christmas," he said.
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