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This simple change could help end dodgy election promises

A post-2025 review released in March recommended the Parliamentary Budget Office publish weekly commitments from major parties during federal caretaker periods and strengthen transparency.
Because late revelations can mislead voters, the Parliamentary Budget Office last year revealed Peter Dutton's plan to cut 41,000 jobs would cost $1.56 billion, supporting calls for earlier disclosures.
The Canberra Times reports several staff are seconded to the PBO during caretaker periods to track media reporting and the office must release costings for parties with more than five parliamentarians 30 days after each federal election.
The review recommended the agency proactively engage more with parliamentarians, staffers and media, warning rising requests from minor parties and independents could stretch the PBO without a budget increase.
By statute, the PBO, established in 2012 through Julia Gillard's 2012 government, provides budget advice and must release certain costings 30 days after elections, similar to Victoria's system.

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