Weekly Wrap Up
US trade tensions escalate as tariffs extend to beef and pharmaceuticals, while Cyclone Alfred recovery efforts continue across Queensland and NSW. With Budget Week approaching, cost of living relief is expected to dominate debate. Meanwhile, key developments in energy, infrastructure, defence, and workplace reforms shape the policy landscape as campaigning ramps up.
VIC Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has handed down her first State Budget, delivering a fiscally restrained but politically strategic plan ahead of the 2026 election. While net debt is forecast to rise to $194 billion, the Budget delivers a projected $600 million operating surplus — the first since the pandemic — and focuses on cost of living relief, health and education investment, infrastructure delivery, and public sector reform.
QLD Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer David Janetzki delivered the Crisafulli Government’s first Budget amid challenging economic conditions. With debt and deficits still high, the LNP unveiled a pro-growth plan centred on housing, infrastructure, and cost-of-living relief—alongside new energy, health and Olympics spending—to position Queensland as “open for business” and ready for long-term recovery.
Queensland Budget Insights 2026-27
The Crisafulli Government’s second Budget focuses on cost-of-living relief, infrastructure investment and housing support while maintaining its no new taxes pledge. Key measures include expanded electricity rebates, housing assistance and transport subsidies, alongside significant spending on roads, water security and critical minerals, despite a projected $6.2 billion deficit.
SA Budget Insights 2026-27
South Australia’s 2026–27 State Budget focuses on cost-of-living relief, housing, health, education and productivity, while maintaining a commitment to fiscal discipline. Key measures include major investments in affordable housing, free public education, aged care, fuel security and strategic infrastructure, alongside efforts to support economic growth and workforce development.
SA Budget Insights 2025-26
South Australia’s final Budget before the 2026 election avoids the usual pre-election fanfare, instead reinforcing Labor’s priorities on health and policing. With few surprises and a slim surplus, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan cast it as a steady platform for re-election, emphasising progress made and caution on future infrastructure commitments.
The Opposition Responds: Highlights from the 2025 Budget in Reply
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton used his 2025 Budget Reply to announce key Coalition policies, including a National Gas Plan, halving the fuel excise, and cutting migration, framing the next election as a defining moment for Australia’s future.
Federal Budget Insights 2026-27
A politically significant Budget focused on housing affordability, tax reform and cost-of-living relief, the Albanese Government’s 2026–27 Budget introduces sweeping changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, alongside major defence and infrastructure investments, as Labor seeks to balance budget repair with support for younger Australians facing mounting economic pressures.
Federal Budget Insights 2025-26
The 2025–26 Federal Budget marks a return to deficit amid global uncertainty and domestic cost of living pressures. With new tax cuts, energy rebates and continued investment in health, housing and defence, the Government aims to steady the economy ahead of the upcoming federal election.
Weekly Wrap Up
This week’s wrap up covers the looming federal election call, Cyclone Alfred’s impact, economic growth driven by exports, and key policy shifts in foreign investment, competition, and trade. Plus, major updates on gender pay gap data, infrastructure investments, and defence strategy. Stay informed with Australia’s top political and economic news.