That's the best word to sum up this year's federal budget. With an election literally around the corner - many are predicting it to be announced this weekend for sometime May - the government tried it's hardest to make sure there were very few "budget losers".

That's not to say there were no losers (such as regional areas seeing fewer international doctors), but this year's budget, which is the first in our nation's history to be announced in April, had fewer than previous years.

It was essentially the start of the government's election campaign.

There are tax breaks of about $1000 for people earning $90,000, and up to $2160 for dual-income families.

One-off payments are available to help people with the rising cost of energy, $75 for individuals and $125 for couples. But when you're getting hit with $400 to $500 energy bills every quarter, does that really even make a dent? 

There is $6.3 billion in drought support - but as NSW Chamber regional manager Joe Townsend pointed out, most of that money was already on the table.

Mr Townsend was also disappointed by the distinct lack of "game changing" infrastructure programs for our region. The only thing locked in is $140 million to upgrade the New England Highway from Tenterfield to Newcastle. The rest of the money is locked up in funding pools, and New England MP Barnaby Joyce must now fight to put our projects at the front of the funding cue. 

As mentioned earlier, the government will "save" (aka cut) $300 million over four years by reducing the planning target for overseas trained doctors in regional areas - we already struggle for medical professionals, so few outside of the metros will welcome this news.

The instant tax write off for a small business purchase of up to $30,000 has been extended for another year, and expanded for businesses making up to $50 million a year. 

Mr Joyce has also confirmed that the $75 million committed to upgrading Dungowan Dam is still on the table, but needs state government support.