What are the factors keeping many people in the rat race — and what are the ones driving others out?

This capital city's housing market has stumbled in recent years, but supply and population trends may be setting up a turn.

As costs soar for small businesses, tax relief and reduced red tape are tipped as support delivered in the federal budget.

The government commits billions in aged care funding, but the sector remains a "pain point".

What are the factors keeping many people in the rat race — and what are the ones driving others out?

Budgets inevitably involve trade-offs, so how do Australia's priorities line up with the world?