From David Smith MP - May/June eNews

This year’s budget delivers important investments for Canberra, building on our $4 billion commitment, with funding for infrastructure, community services, national institutions and practical cost-of-living relief.

We are delivering the projects and services that Canberra needs, while also supporting local jobs and strengthening the national capital for the future, including:

• $50 million for the ACT’s share of the Housing Support Program - the Local Infrastructure Fund to support utilities to deliver more housing-enabling infrastructure.

• $3.1 million for the National Jewish Memorial Centre, recognising the importance of ensuring the stories, history and contributions of Australia’s Jewish community are represented in the ACT.

• $30 million for an RSPCA animal welfare campus in Pialligo. This facility will serve as the new, modern home of RSPCA ACT.

• $200,000 to support victim-survivors in the ACT through the Local Support Coordinator Program.

• $1.4 million to improve youth mental health services in the ACT.

• $50 million for the duplication of Drake Brockman Drive and a further $4.6 million to progress planning work for the Molonglo East–West Arterial.

• $50 million investment in priority upgrades to the Sydney to Canberra rail corridor.

• $9.9 million for the National Film and Sound Archive to help protect and preserve nationally significant collections for future generations.

• $3 million for the Museum of Australian Democracy as it prepares for its centenary.

• continuing support for Australia’s science and research capability through funding for the long-term sustainability of the CSIRO.

The budget includes measures that will benefit the Canberra community:

• A new tax cut of up to $250 for 260,000 working Canberrans through the Working Australians Tax Offset.

• A new instant tax deduction of up to $1000, benefitting 140,000 Canberran workers, with an average saving of $205 in 2026-27

• Legislated tax cuts starting 1 July this year and next year, worth up to $536, on top of the first round of tax cuts delivered in 2024

This Budget reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s continued commitment to Canberra, our growing city and our community.