The Marshall Liberal Government has welcomed the Federal Government's 2021-22 Budget for its strong focus on ongoing national economic and jobs recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the significant investment in job-creating infrastructure projects across the state, as well as targeted funding to support working families, single homebuyers, and low-and-middle income earners through extended tax relief, would benefit many South Australians.
"This is a significant jobs budget that will help secure the nation's ongoing economic recovery and further support South Australians get back into the workforce, grow their skills and, in many cases, break into the property market," said Mr Lucas.
"We welcome job-creating, stimulus policies such as the extended JobTrainer Fund to deliver additional low-fee and free training places in areas of skills need, tourism and hospitality support as well as the 12-month instant asset-write off extension for eligible businesses.
"We also acknowledge the significant $3.4 billion infrastructure commitment on transport projects for SA – including $2.6 billion for the North-South Corridor project, Augusta Highway Duplication ($148 million) and the Truro Bypass ($161.6 million) – which together with other existing spending commitments will support thousands of local jobs.
"In fact, South Australia is receiving 22 per cent of additional Federal infrastructure spending in this Budget, much to the dismay of some of the other states. We also welcome the $6 million provided towards the upgrade of the Netball South Australia Stadium, which is in addition to the $12 million of State Government funding announced in November."
Mr Lucas also welcomed the Commonwealth's critical investment in mental health programs, additional funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to support people living with a disability, domestic violence support services, aged care and women's health and safety.
"The significant commitment towards mental health care will support South Australians at every stage of life," said Mr Lucas.
Mr Lucas said Australia's national economic recovery had led to further improvement in South Australia's forecast GST estimate for this financial year. GST revenue for the State has improved by $926 million in 2020-21 and $668 million in 2021-22 compared with estimates in the 2020-21 State Budget.
"While our improved GST position is clearly welcome, compared with GST estimates in our 2019-20 Mid-Year Budget review prior to the impact of COVID-19, GST revenue is still forecast to be $375 million lower in 2020-21 and $364 million lower in 2021-22." said Mr Lucas.
The SA State Budget 2021-22 will be handed down on Tuesday 22 June.
