Australia — Central government deficit (% of GDP)

% of GDP · Annual · 1839–2022 · 134 observations

About this series

The central government deficit series records the period's fiscal balance under the source's accounting and sign convention. A deficit indicates a shortfall; the series is a flow, not a debt stock. This series expresses that measure as a percentage of GDP for the matching period.

Australia's central government deficit reading was −1.29% of GDP in 2022. The period change from −6.53% of GDP in 2021 was +5.25 percentage points. The latest reading was above the selected 10-year average of −2.37% of GDP.

-30-20-10010183920002022% of GDPSubscribe to view

Get the full series

  • Annual data, 1839–2022
  • All 3 sources, downloadable

Latest observations

2000–2022

PeriodValue
2022-1.29 % of GDP
2021-6.53 % of GDP
2020-5 % of GDP
2019-0.14 % of GDP
2018-0.48 % of GDP
15 earlier values
2017-1.71 % of GDP
2016-2.28 % of GDP
2015-2.59 % of GDP
2014-2.19 % of GDP
2013-1.45 % of GDP
2012-3.11 % of GDP
2011-3.66 % of GDP
2010-3.84 % of GDP
2009-2.43 % of GDP
20081.82 % of GDP
20071.57 % of GDP
20061.66 % of GDP
20051.2 % of GDP
20040.78 % of GDP
20030.78 % of GDP

Values before 2003, back to 2000, are on the chart — hover to read them.

Data release 2026_08_27_1049, published 30 Sept 2026.