Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Budget 2026, return to surplus coming a year earlier than expected

Most households may not see any immediate direct benefit from the Budget.  It shows a return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year, a year sooner than previously forecast. The forecast uses the OBEGALx measure, which excludes ACC.     Infometrics Economist Brad Olsen says it might be a tad optimistic, given the state of the world, but we could maybe use some optimism.  The Budget includes significant investment in education and training, which Olsen says should boost productivity.  He told Mike Hosking it's an unusual Budget for an election year.  Olsen says most households won't see anything directly, as the money's going on structural things that should make the economy stronger in the long run.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.