Treasurer Wayne Swan has invited Australians to submit their priorities for next year's federal budget.
Mr Swan said community views were necessary in developing the policies of the government and the commonwealth budget.
"For the 2011-12 budget, I received over 300 submissions that provided an insight into the challenges faced across our nation and opportunities to improve policy outcomes for all Australians," he said in a statement today.
The 2012-13 budget is to be handed down on May 8.
The government has staked much economic credibility on its pledge to return the government's book to surplus in 2012-13 following four consecutive deficits.
In the mid-year budget update on November 29, Treasury forecast a "modest" surplus of $1.5 billion in 2012-13 following a predicted $37.1 billion deficit this financial year.
Mr Swan said submissions from the public should consider the need to offset any proposed new spending with equivalent savings.
Submissions for the budget should be sent no later than Friday, January 27.
