Does the budget give the treasurer power over other ministers? Shouldn't each minister choose how much money they need instead?
Thanks for your question, Edward.
The Treasurer delivers the Budget – the Australian Government's annual statement of how it plans to collect and spend money. However, the Budget is a collective decision of the Cabinet – the Prime Minister and other senior ministers – which is the main decision-making group in the government.
Ministers prepare submissions or requests for funding to run their departments, but it is the Cabinet that sets the amount to be allocated.
The Treasurer and the Minister for Finance talking to the media about the Budget
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
The Treasurer and the Minister for Finance talking to the media about the Budget
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
Description
The Treasurer and the Minister for Finance standing at podiums holding a press conference about the Budget. The Budget is the Australian Government’s plan for collecting and spending money. They are facing an audience of journalists and photographers. There are many people in the room with multiple cameras set up, and several people are taking notes or recording the event.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.