The Albanese government has announced a major financial injection of almost $700 million for the Australian Capital Territory, targeting key national institutions and local infrastructure in its mid-year budget review.
Major Funding for National Treasures
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the significant spending package as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) released on Wednesday. The funding addresses long-standing maintenance issues and supports ongoing redevelopment projects across the nation's capital.
A standout allocation is $219.7 million over five years to repair the leaking roof at the National Gallery of Australia. The gallery had warned that persistent leaks were forcing "rolling closures" of exhibition spaces, threatening priceless artworks.
The Australian War Memorial will receive $119.2 million to ensure its financial sustainability and support the completion of its contentious $550 million redevelopment. Memorial director Matt Anderson recently told Senate estimates that two dozen additional staff are needed to operate the expanded galleries, which will open progressively until 2028. The new Anzac Hall is scheduled to be fully operational next year.
Further cultural investments include $4.5 million for the National Library to complete heritage window and facade replacements, and $17 million to advance the Ngurra Cultural Precinct. This national Indigenous cultural centre, first funded with $316 million in 2022, will be built at the site of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
Infrastructure, Safety and Scientific Research Boost
Responding to community safety concerns, the government is investing $10 million to improve lighting around Lake Burley Griffin's Central Basin. This initiative follows reports by The Canberra Times highlighting worries from women's safety advocates about running in poorly lit areas after dark.
Major infrastructure works also receive support, with $53.6 million in extra funding allocated for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge upgrade and Scrivener Dam dissipator strengthening.
In a significant boost for science, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will get a $233 million funding increase. Science Minister Tim Ayres stated this investment aims to "safeguard and strengthen research and innovation in areas critical to Australia's future prosperity and security."
Community, Health and Education Commitments
The budget update also delivers on several of Labor's ACT election promises. A total of $24.4 million is earmarked for health and aged care commitments. This includes $10.5 million for three new fully bulk-billed GP clinics, $10.1 million for capital works to increase respite care availability, and $3.8 million to support a private provider operating the bulk-billed Interchange Health Co-op in Tuggeranong.
Community facilities gain $4.1 million shared across the National Hockey Centre, cricket facility upgrades in Chisolm, improvements to Margaret Timpson Park, and a multicultural festival aimed at social cohesion.
Educational access to the capital is enhanced with $5.8 million to extend the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Pilot program for 2026 and 2027. This supports student visits to Canberra's democratic, historical, and cultural institutions.
Treasurer Chalmers emphasised that this year's MYEFO was not a "mini-budget" but acknowledged it contained "a couple of new elements" focused on sustaining national assets and supporting the Canberra community.
