Weekly Wrap Up
As the Albanese Government grapples with fallout from Cyclone Alfred and US steel and aluminium tariffs, attention is now turning to the upcoming Federal Budget on 25 March. Meanwhile, WA Labor secured re-election despite a double-digit swing, and the latest Newspoll shows the Coalition leading 51–49 on a two-party preferred basis.
2025 Federal Election
Australia is officially heading to the polls on 3 May. With the Federal Budget handed down and the campaign now underway, cost of living, health, housing, and energy are emerging as defining election issues. GRACosway breaks down the major themes, key battlegrounds, and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
NSW Budget Insights 2026-27
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s 2025–26 NSW Budget delivers a modestly optimistic economic outlook, with a projected return to surplus by 2027–28. Prioritising housing, essential services, and productivity, the Budget includes major investments in education, infrastructure and health, while establishing new initiatives to accelerate housing delivery and attract large-scale private investment.
NSW Budget Insights 2025-26
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s 2025–26 NSW Budget delivers a modestly optimistic economic outlook, with a projected return to surplus by 2027–28. Prioritising housing, essential services, and productivity, the Budget includes major investments in education, infrastructure and health, while establishing new initiatives to accelerate housing delivery and attract large-scale private investment.
VIC Budget Insights 2026-27
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has delivered a pre-election Budget balancing cost-of-living relief with fiscal restraint, funding roads, transport, housing and community safety. With modest growth forecasts and rising debt, the Budget underscores economic uncertainty as Victorians prepare to head to the polls in November.
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.