Budget Hub 2022

03/05/22

Victorian Budget

OVERVIEW

The 2022-23 Victorian Budget continues the State’s investment in a major pipeline of projects, with $85.3 billion in general government spending on infrastructure over the next four years. The Budget includes few new major commitments, with the majority of funding flowing to projects which have previously been announced or under delivery, including the West Gate Tunnel, North East Link,Suburban Rail Loop and Level Crossing Removal Project.

The Budget includes a strong focus on social infrastructure. This includes an additional $2.9 billion over four years in capital spending on health infrastructure, including a commitment to build the $1 billion New Melton Hospital and up to $525 million for the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital – though much of this spending is likely to come beyond the forward estimates. The Budget also includes $1.6 billion in additional funding to build and upgrade schools.

Acknowledging the challenges of a heated infrastructure market, the four-year allocation for infrastructure has been reprofiled. The 2022-23 Budget delivers a $4.9 billion reduction in infrastructure funding from the record levels set in last year’s Budget. This is compounded by a $5.3 billion or 22 per cent underspend on the planned outlay in this financial year. It will be essential for the Victorian Government to work closely with industry to ensure the next four years of pipeline is delivered in line with this year’s Budget’s allocations.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Victorian Budget Report

3 Articles | 2,187 Words

10/05/22

Northern Territory Budget

OVERVIEW

The Northern Territory (NT) Government released its 2022-23 Budget this week, allocating $4.1 billion in general government infrastructure expenditure over the next four years, including $1.1 billion in FY2022-23. The projected spend represents a $315 million reduction in forecasted expenditure in the 2021-22 NT Budget. Regardless, the 13.8 per cent share of total government expenditure apportioned for infrastructure over the next four years remains higher than the 10-year average of 12.8 per cent – representing a $287 million boost over the long-term trend. The Territory’s fiscal position is also improving, with the net operating balance forecast to return to surplus in FY2024-25.

The NT’s capital program includes a continued focus on transport, comprising 50 per cent of committed infrastructure expenditure. Investments in housing and community assets account for 27 per cent of infrastructure spending, with other social infrastructure sectors making up 11 per cent. The geographic breakdown of total budgeted infrastructure funding sees 60 per cent allocated to regional and remote projects, including $690 million over four years to build and refurbish remote Aboriginal housing.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Northern Territory Budget Article

1 Article | 714 Words

12/05/22

Western Australia Budget

OVERVIEW

The Government of Western Australia handed down its 2022-23 Budget, allocating $14.9 billion in general government expenditure to infrastructure spending over the next four years, including $3.6 billion in FY2022-23. This represents a $1.8 billion, or 14 per cent, jump in funding compared to last year’s four-year projection and equates to 9.9 per cent of general government expenditure over the next four years. Included in the Budget is the WA Government’s announcement of a $60 million Clean Energy Car Fund, coupled with the introduction of a distance-based road user charge for zero and low-emissions vehicles, commencing on 1 July 2027. Further details are outlined separately in this week’s Infrastructure Report.

Despite this budget delivering an infrastructure funding share of 9.9 per cent of general government expenditure, above the 10-year average of 9.5 per cent – the first time this has occurred in over a decade – WA is still apportioning significantly less to infrastructure than other states. With a budget surplus of $5.7 billion and notwithstanding the current climate of materials and labour supply constraints, the WA Government has an opportunity to considerably increase its infrastructure funding levels. By doing so, WA would be able to catch up with other major states who have made greater investments in infrastructure while improving service delivery to taxpayers across a range of economic and social infrastructure.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Western Australia Budget Article

1 Article | 1,288 Words