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Steven Joyce: Former Finance Minister previews the Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update

A former Finance Minister's hailing today as extremely important as Treasury opens the Government's books.

This afternoon's Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update will show the levels of Crown debt, revenue, and expenditure.

Budget 2026 predicted a return to operating surplus in the 2028/29 financial year – a year earlier than had been signalled.

Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking things could change quickly, but it's a helpful snapshot.

He says it's the best anchor, that shows where things are at, to help parties explain how they'll pay for their election promises.

Joyce is warning to…

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