The ACT Budget passed the Legislative Assembly today. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Budget provides record investment in Canberra’s public healthcare system – including 400 healthcare professionals delivered two years ahead of schedule.

“With our economy rebounding from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022-23 ACT Budget outlines a significantly improved Budget position for the ACT by more than $800 million over four years,” Mr Barr said.

“As we continue the Budget repair task, the Government is investing in our rapidly growing city – delivering for Canberrans now and well into the future. Our economy will generate more jobs than we have ever had before, supporting a city where more people want to live – growing faster than anywhere else in the country.”

Health is the largest area of expenditure in the Territory Budget – at $2.2 billion, it accounts for nearly a third of all ACT Government expenditure. The Budget boosts services across the health portfolio, with more than $390 million in new investment.

The Budget includes a package to tackle housing affordability and supply.

“From targeted stamp duty cuts, through to the construction of hundreds of new public housing dwellings – we are taking the steps necessary to ensure more Canberrans have access to safe and secure homes,” Mr Barr said.

The Budget invests another $87 million into the Growing and Renewing Public Housing program to expand that program by a further 140 dwellings, as well as additional investment in public housing maintenance and repairs.

“We are continuing to deliver infrastructure that is built for Canberra,” Mr Barr said. “This Budget sets out a $7 billion infrastructure program over five years – a balanced and sequenced program of large and small projects to provide for the needs of a growing city, and create thousands of jobs.

“With the passing of the 2022-23 ACT Budget today, we keep working to make sure the Canberra of 2030 continues to be one of the most liveable cities in the world.”