Economy
- economic growth slowing to 2.75% above inflation, still high compared to rest of Australia
- jobs growth tipped at 1.5%, on par with national forecasts
- deficit to rise marginally to $83.4 million, but surplus expected next year
- no significant change in size of ACT government workforce
- ACT to gain about 6000 people a year after slower growth during the Abbott era
- budget papers warn of risks such as decentralisation of federal bureaucracy and flow-on effects from a potential correction in Sydney and Melbourne property prices
Taxes, fees and charges
- tax reform continues (land taxes rise as other charges fall/are scrapped)
- average household rates up 7% (20% for units)
- land tax on investors' properties extends to vacant housing next year
- emergency services levy rises to $294 per household (up $42)
- car registration fees up 5%
- parking fines up 6%
- caravan rego fees halved to align with NSW
- flat change-of-use charge of $30,000 for land rezoned to allow units
Health
- major Canberra Hospital expansion to include new surgical, radiology and emergency centre
- walk-in centre in Gungahlin; planning for centres in Weston Creek and inner north
- health and mental-health checks for all year 7 students
- new Office for Mental Health
Education
- $85 million for new school facilities and tech
- new primary school for north Gungahlin
- Harrison, Gold Greek, Neville Bonner and Palmerston schools to expand capacity
- refurbishment for Belconnen High
- consider a new school in Molonglo Valley
- 25 science, tech and maths scholarships for teachers
- safer walking and cycling around schools
- team established to reduce violence against teachers
Infrastructure
- work starts on Civic to Woden light rail
- West Basin "activation" to encourage lakeside leisure, sport, business and housing
- new roads – Gundaroo Drive widening, Canberra Brickworks access road
- Belconnen bikeway and secure bike parking in Civic
- about $30 million this year for new public housing
Justice, safety and emergencies
- Tasers for all frontline police officers
- extra police to increase night patrols
- extra support for child protection
- funds to support mental health of paramedics and firefighters
- improvement of Tharwa's firefighting water supply
- more than $5 million for retrial of David Eastman
Business
- marketing to enrol more international students in Canberra
- support for women to enter male-dominated trades, and for older workers to reskill
- funds to attract major entertainment and sports events
- easier access to outdoor dining and liquor licences
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