The 2024-25 Budget has passed in the Legislative Assembly today, delivering cost-of-living support to Canberrans and more investment in housing, public health and community infrastructure.
Handed down in late June, Canberrans are already benefiting from the Budget. This week, local apprentices and trainees started receiving their $250 support payment to assist with cost-of-living pressures.
Around 43,000 low-income households in Canberra will also benefit from an increase to the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate. The $800 concessions helping eligible households with their energy and utility costs.
The Government expanded the Future of Education Equity Fund, with an additional $1 million. The Fund has been hugely successful in supporting students and families in need, helping them with the costs of their education. In this term of government over 12,800 payments have been made from the Fund.
The 2024-25 Budget again delivers a record $2.6 billion investment to ensure Canberrans can access the right care, at the right place and at the right time.
We know that Canberrans want more homes to buy and rent, and they want to see more public, community and affordable housing. That is why the 2024-25 Budget include more than $285 million in funding for housing initiatives – to increase housing choice, access and affordability.
Despite rising costs of service delivery and construction costs, the Territory's financial position continues to be strong and the economic outlook remains positive.
This Budget reflects our priorities and aspirations for our growing community – to be the best place in the country to live, to work, to invest, to study and to call home.
