Federal government to hand down 25 March budget after Tropical Cyclone Alfred delays election announcement

Delay means election will almost certainly be held on 3 May, 10 May or 17 May - the latest date for the 2025 poll

• Tropical Cyclone Alfred LIVE: latest news and updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The federal government will hand down a budget on 25 March after the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced Anthony Albanese to shelve any plans for an election announcement.

The prime minister was widely tipped to call the election this weekend for April 12, allowing Labor to avoid a pre-ballot budget expected to confirm a return to deficit.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email