Tonight’s federal budget is unlikely to hold any major surprises for general practice, but there shouldn’t be any nasties either – at least that is what Australian Doctor has been told.

Top of the government’s agenda is dealing with a economy boasting a budget deficit of more than $200 billion and a national debt upwards of $1 trillion.

Its major spending measures will be designed to stimulate growth and find work for the 450,000 people left without employment due to the pandemic: wage subsidies for small businesses, cuts to income tax and billions on various infrastructure projects.

“What we are focused on, overwhelmingly, first, second and third priority is jobs,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday.