Katy Gallagher, Andrew Barr, Zed Seselja react to 2022 federal budget

ACT senator Gallagher calls out the budget as something that has left Canberra "shortchanged" when it comes to the allocation of funds.

"It's a really political budget and because of that, because it's a political fix they haven't cared about Canberra," Senator Gallagher said.

The budget papers released Tuesday night had figures indicating a drop in funding for health from $549.6 million in 2021-22 to $526.8 million in 2022-23, which Canberra Liberal senator Zed Seselja said was not actually a decrease.

Senator Seselja said health spending is budgeted for with an additional activity base that comes later depending on the amount required for whatever unplanned health needs occur that year.

"Last year we budgeted for $468 million and we've actually delivered well over $500 million in this financial year," he said.

"This year we're budgeting for $514 million knowing that the activity as it comes in we'll see that money go up so every year it's been going up."

Senator Gallagher remained unimpressed, arguing it wasn't enough and the ACT needed Commonwealth support as "we've still got massive implications on our health system".

"Zed has always been able to use numbers and apply them as he'd like them to be read," she said.

"I was at the hospital on Sunday night, that place is in chaos. I could not believe how busy it was, and how many of the COVID restrictions were impacting on that. So it's not like our health system has returned to normal."

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The government is expected to provide the ACT with $2.8 billion in funding next financial year, down 3 per cent on 2021-22.

A win for the ACT is Scrivener Dam, set for a $38.5 million upgrade over four years, although the extent of the works are unclear.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr is also disappointed at how Canberra fared in this budget, saying if Scrivener Dam is the big ticket item "that speaks volumes".

Mr Barr said Canberra is "not faring well under this Coalition government" and described Senator Seselja's efforts as pretty underwhelming compared to other states and territories.

"The gulf between us and them is the issue," Mr Barr said.

The Australian Institute of Sport arena was another area of disappointment and frustration from both Senator Gallagher and Mr Barr, who said people were looking for leadership from the Commonwealth on this area.

Senator Gallagher said, "It's their building, it's their facility, they've let it run down, it's closed. It's our community that pays the price for that and they don't have an answer for it."

"What happens in terms of provision of those facilities is also something we're talking with the government on, and hopefully have something to say during the election."

Mr Barr said he would like to see the Australian Institute of Sport precinct renewed.

"The Commonwealth need to make a decision about the long term future of the Australian Institute of Sport and what if any capability and infrastructure would remain in Canberra ahead of the 2032 Olympics" he said.