Australia has suffered the consequences of the global economic crisis, with an economic slowdown during the global recession, a drop in extraction and export of raw materials, damage to the banking system through the credit crisis and huge losses for pension funds. Faced with this situation, the Australian government has implemented a series of measures to support the country's economy and its most vulnerable citizens during the crisis.

The government's recovery plan totals around 78 billion Australian dollars invested to develop and renew infrastructure, provide financial security for banks and salvage companies. Within the plan the government has announced a "Household Stimulus Package" that provides general assistance to low- and middle-income households. It includes single payments of bonuses to certain Centrelink customers, including families, students and farmers. The government will provide 12.2 billion dollars to help households and thus support economic growth in 2008-2009.