A previously undisclosed $57 billion deterioration in the federal budget outlook has emerged since the election, driven mainly by higher long‑term spending under the Albanese government. Two‑thirds of the blowout is due to higher spending; one‑third is due to weaker revenue. Budget expert Chris Richardson says the shift reflects long‑term spending being “swept under the carpet”. “Budget analysis focusses on the next few years, so politicians also shove costs immediately beyond that. The budget update had $5bn more spending in 2028-29—the last year that gets detailed attention in budget reporting”.