A report has found Australia's mining boom is about to peak and a slowdown in the sector is inevitable.
The Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook for June predicts falling mineral prices, a slowdown in the housing sector and sluggish financial markets will lead to a drop in Government revenue, the ABC reports.
The report says the mining sector is still driving the country's economic growth and providing a buffer from problems in China and Europe.
Director Chris Richardson says that means the Government will have to make more cuts or delay some projects, and predicts there will be less demand for minerals in two to three years' time.
The Government has rejected the claims, saying a slowdown has already been factored into the budget.
Trade Minister Craig Emerson said the Government was returning the budget to surplus.
A budget surplus has been a key commitment of the Gillard Government.
