A job-creating boost to the economy, a marketing exercise, or part of the Coalition’s election campaign? The 2021–22 Federal Budget came out last night, and opinion is, as ever, divided.

More budget coverage:

• Overview
• Canberra-specific measures
• Health, education and social services
• Tax versus poverty relief
• Housing
• Infrastructure and the environment

“Our plan for the country is delivering for Canberra, and for everyday Canberrans, by creating jobs, guaranteeing essential services, and building a more resilient and secure Australia,” said ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja.

Political opponent Labor Senator Katy Gallagher dismissed the budget as “a shameless political fix, rather than the genuine reform needed to make Australia’s economy stronger, broader, and more sustainable”.

ACT Greens Federal candidates Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng and Tim Hollo called the budget “a tragic failure to address inequality and the climate crisis”.

Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee called it “a great budget” for the ACT, Canberrans, and Australia.

“The Morrison Government has clearly shown through this budget that it values Canberra and Canberrans, and I thank Senator Zed Seselja for his ongoing advocacy for the ACT.”

And ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr took a cautious ‘wait-and-see’ approach. “This is an election budget. Big on announcements, but it remains to be seen if the Commonwealth’s delivery will match.”

The budget includes:

• $167.3 million for roads and light rail
• $70.9 million for national institutions
• An ACT Asbestos Disease Assistance Scheme
• $461.2 million for hospitals
• $379.3 million for schools
• Tax relief of up to $1,080 for 200,000 Canberrans
• Assistance for single parents to buy or build homes

But Federal Labor politicians and Greens believe that wages will go backwards, that the Budget does not support people on low incomes, and that the Government’s gas-led recovery is not good for the environment.

The Canberra Daily will examine the Budget in detail over the next few days.

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• Canberra celebrates International Nurses Day
• Budget funds two new marine parks twice the size of Great Barrier Reef
• Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Llewellyn Two’ embracing colour and emotion