The Australian Financial Review | Government leaves room for election spending as tax boost drives budget surge The Australian Financial Review Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, left, and Finance Minister Mathias Corman played down, but have not ruled out, a return to surplus as early as this year. AAP. Phillip Coorey AFR Woodcut. Share on Facebook · Share on twitter. by Phillip Coorey. The biggest ... Coalition reveals smallest deficit in a decade after decline in welfare spending Australia's $10.1 billion budget deficit revealed Smallest deficit in a decade: Treasurer |