Pandemic thrillseekers spend big local on caravans, skydiving, surfing, scuba diving according to ZIP survey

Thrillseeking Australians have switched to local spending during the pandemic with big increases in surf lessons, skydiving, scuba diving and caravans. 

The unexpected COVID spending is based on anonymised data of 1.5 million customers from buy now pay later company ZIP. 

Co-founder Peter Gray tells me Australians are living life to the full locally with international travel stalled indefinitely.

Cautious budget looms as vaccine delays rattle confidence; James Packer strikes deal with NSW regulator to end influence on Crown Resorts board as Royal Commissions loom.

It's now just over three weeks before Josh Frydenberg hands down the federal budget which is expected to deliver more targeted emergency stimulus to guide Australia out of the pandemic induced economic crisis. 

While there's been surprisingly strong economic news, major uncertainties remain that could easily derail what could be a good news budget - especially delays in getting vaccines out across the country. 

Also, James Packer strikes deal with NSW gaming regulator that see him banned from influencing the Crown Resorts board as the casino giant faces Royal Commissions in Victoria and Western Australia.

Here's my analysis from RN Breakfast with Fran Kelly where I speak with UTS chief economist Tim Harcourt.

I also speak with Tom Oriti on ABC NewsRadio