It was such an honour to host the Hindu Council of Australia's annual Diwali Celebrations at Parliament House this week, where I met so many Canberrans who were also enjoying the celebrations.

It has been 20 years since the Hindu Council first brought Diwali to Parliament House, and with over 5% of Canberrans identifying as Hindu, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this vibrant part of our Canberra community.

I look forward to sharing in many more Diwali celebrations with the local community here in Canberra over the coming months.

Economic Update from the Finance Minister

The Treasurer and I recently announced the Final Budget Outcome for 2023-24, which confirms the Albanese Government's level-headed economic management has delivered a second consecutive budget surplus - the first back-to-back surpluses in nearly two decades.

This year's surplus of $15.8 billion follows last year's $22 billion, marking the largest nominal improvement to the budget position ever seen in a government's term.

We don't see reaching a surplus as the end game. Achieving a surplus is all about making room for the important things that people really value in the community. More housing, better Medicare services, cheaper medicines, and cost-of-living help when they're doing it tough. We've only been able to find the room to do that because of the approach that we've taken in the last three budgets since we came to office.

Kicking Goals with Play our Way Grants!

The recent Olympic and Paralympic Games and last year's Women's World Cup clearly showed how much the Australian community backs women's sport - which is why it's fantastic the government is offering $55 million in grants from our Play Our Way program, designed to make it easier and more enjoyable to get involved in sport!

Play Our Way is the single biggest package for women's sport participation and facilities ever and these 120 projects will create greater opportunities for women and girls to enjoy being physically active.

These grants will make a real difference across the nation, ensuring the opportunities and support girls and women need to participate in the sports they love to play, continues to create a more equal playing field for all.