fe45a3b1_lian_Broadcasting_Corporation___Definition
[Term] Forward estimates [Definition] 
The forward estimates are a series of projections released alongside the budget predicting revenue and expenses for the next four financial years. As they rely on assumptions about revenue and indicators, they are often subject to change - as the mining boom unfolded the estimates often undervalued the amount of revenue, and after commodity prices peaked they have had to be revised downwards. But the estimates are seen as a useful way of showing the government's longer-term plans for spending.
Budget 2014: Tony Abbott opens door to 'horse-trading' with minor parties in Senate to pass key measures - Federal Budget 2014 - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Definition