Australia government promises 'back in black' budget in election run-up

Australia’s conservative government on Tuesday proposed tax cuts for low and middle-income earners and record spending on health and education while promising the first budget surplus in more than a decade, shaping its pitch for votes in an imminent election. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg offered A$158 billion ($112 billion) in tax cuts over the next decade primarily aimed at middle-income earners, on top of tax cuts of A$144 billion last year, as the coalition government, which is trailing in opinion polls, tries to win over voters.