The budget was presented to the House of Representatives by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on 6 October 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recession, the budget was submitted five months later than the traditional annual date of the second Tuesday in May.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on Australia’s economy, and emergency measures were taken to keep Australians employed.

The 2020–21 budget, presented 5 months later than its traditional May date, will take this pandemic into account, especially for the Department of Home Affairs, with a COVID-19 response package.

Regarding employment, a wage subsidy was introduced earlier in the year titled JobKeeper and JobSeeker, and a new hiring credit for employers in this budget called JobMaker.