The Finance Minister appears to be tempering expectations for when the Budget will return to surplus

Nicola Willis told the House yesterday data indicates the economy will be in a weaker position this year, than anticipated, before Christmas.

She says that will flow through to forecasts on tax revenue - so she expects the Crown to collect less revenue in the next few years.

But political editor Jason Walls says Willis is still promising tax cuts.

He says the Minister is reaffirming commitment to tax reductions, re-prioritising wasteful spending and supporting frontline services.