Most tell Morrison to take time on surplus

Most Australians say returning to surplus is important, although they are happy for Treasurer Scott Morrison to take his time so services can be maintained.

Almost three-quarters of Australians believe it's important Scott Morrison returns the budget to surplus, although nearly the same amount say he should delay going back in the black to maintain services and invest in infrastructure.

Just hours out from the federal treasurer handing down his second budget on Tuesday, the latest Essential Research poll found only 18 per cent believing he should return to surplus as soon as possible by cutting services and raising taxes.

Economists expect the budget will be returned to surplus in 2020/21 as forecast in the mid-year review released in December.