Australia unveils budget to counter hit from commodities

Canberra

THE Australian government on Tuesday unveiled a budget it said would support small businesses and promote jobs growth as it sought to stimulate a flagging economy hit by slumping commodity prices.

The budget shifted away from a focus on reining in a huge deficit after harsh cuts to welfare, education and wealth sparked a voter backlash last year and triggered a challenge to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's leadership.

Instead, the government will roll out a A$5.5 billion (S$5.9 billion) small business package, mostly consisting of tax cuts, to stimulate investment in the sector, as well as a A…