Some 506,000 hardy Budget fans tuned in to the ABC last night to watch the treasurer, Josh Frydeneberg, deliver the nation’s annual balance sheet.

According to overnight OzTAM metro numbers, a further 423,000 watched the ABC’s pre-Budget coverage too.

Sadly for the ABC, it didn’t give its audience share much of a lift. Aunty taking home just 15.6 per cent of last night’s eyeballs.

Nine won the night with 34.5 per cent audience share. Seven had to settle for 29.5 per cent, 10 had 13.5 per cent and SBS pulled 6.8 per cent.

Yet again, MAFS led the way with 1.388 million. Nine’s Travel Guides also had an enviable night with 870,000 and even beat MKR’s numbers. Pete and Manu posting 832,000.

Seven’s 6pm news had 1.057 million to Nine’s 845,000. ACA pulled 818,000.

Other highlights for Seven included Home And Away (748,000), The Chase (607,000) and Manhunt (569,000).

Nine’s Hot Seat pulled 423,000 and a repeat of Hamish And Andy’s True Stories had 385,000.

Over at 10, its best was The Project (426,000), 10 News First (371,000) and Ambulance Australia (363,000).

In the battle for breakfast, Sunrise (274,000) beat Today (189,000).

SBS’s best was a repeat of Great Continental Railway Journeys with 248,000.