From smallcaps.com.au: The Albanese government may reveal a surprise budget surplus in the upcoming election campaign, despite prior predictions of a $26.9 billion deficit.

The potential for a surplus may encourage the government to make additional spending promises, capitalizing on electoral advantages while reinforcing its image as a competent economic manager.

Strong tax collections, driven by a robust job market and high mining exports, have led to better-than-expected budget performance, with receipts already $14.5 billion above initial forecasts.