While the International Monetary Fund has applauded Australia's plan for a budget surplus - some economists say it will make no difference to financial markets or the economy.
And given the uncertainties facing the global economy - and a slowdown locally - is a quick return to surplus the right thing to do?
SBS Presenter/Reporter Ricardo Goncalves asked Finance Minister Penny Wong.
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"It's very important that the government returns a surplus at this time," she said.
"It's important for the economy, for business, for Australian households. It's also also about having a buffer in uncertain times and we know that the global economy is an uncertain place".
"It's about making sure that we continue to give the Reserve Bank the room to move should it be fit to do so," Minister Wong added.
Ms Wong said this budget will be "a Labor budget, a budget that gives priority to middle income Australia".
She called on the opposition to support the government's savings measures.
