The ACT Treasurer Chris Steel has welcomed the federal budget saying its range of initiatives will benefit Canberra.

The gave ticks to the proposed tax cuts and a further exemption for low-income earners with increases to the Medicare levy low-income thresholds.

“The $150 Energy Bill Relief for every household in the ACT will provide much needed relief for nearly 200,000 Canberra households as well as small businesses,” he said.

“Across the five jurisdictions in the National Electricity Market, the ACT is expected to have the lowest standing offers in 2025-26 – the future is renewable.

“Additionally, the Commonwealth Government’s largest investment in Medicare since its inception will help take some of the pressure off our hospital system and continue to ensure Canberrans get the care they need when they need it.

“Funding for an additional urgent care clinic in Woden is delivered through the budget, as is a boost to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme that will benefit all Canberrans.”

He said the federal budget committed another $53.5 million to support road infrastructure. This included:

• $30 million to complete the Monaro Highway Upgrade
• $20 million to complete for the Monaro Highway Upgrade Stage 2 Upgrades
• $3.5 million to complete the duplication of Gundaroo Drive

The Budget also provided a $30 million boost over five years for the ACT under the Roads to Recovery program, which would go directly to maintaining the ACT’s existing road network. This included $8.6 million for resurfacing the Kings Highway near Kowen.

Mr Steel said the ACT would be the largest proportionate beneficiary from a $3 billion investment the National Broadband Network.

“This investment will see 100,000 more Canberrans connected with faster and more reliable internet by upgrading remaining fibre-to-the node network,” he said.

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