Andrew Leigh

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

THE HON DR ANDREW LEIGH MP 
MEMBER FOR FENNER

DAVID SMITH MP
MEMBER FOR BEAN

ALICIA PAYNE MP
MEMBER FOR CANBERRA

MEDIA RELEASE

 LABOR’S BUDGET DELIVERS ON INVESTMENTS TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR CANBERRA

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2022

The Albanese Labor Government’s first Budget delivers on our election commitments and invests in local infrastructure upgrades that will see our city grow.

After a decade of disdain for the National Capital from the former Liberal/National Government, we will ensure that the ACT is not ignored when it comes to infrastructure investments that create jobs, boost our economy and ensure that our city flourishes into the future.

The Federal Budget includes $86 million in funding for Stage 2A of the Light Rail Project to ensure that Canberrans on the Southside get the same transport benefits as those who use the tram between Civic and Gungahlin.

The Government will also provide funding to deliver the National Security Office Precinct in Barton.

This project will be a permanent solution to the critical accommodation and capability requirements of several national security and other Commonwealth agencies, and is expected to be utilised by the Office of National Intelligence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

These major city-shaping investments are in addition to the nearly $39 million that we committed to deliver during the Federal Election, including:

• $15 million to upgrade and reopen the AIS Arena so that Canberrans have access to the facilities they deserve for sports, community events and concerts
• $10 million to build a Youth Foyer at the Woden CIT campus to deliver student accommodation and wraparound services for young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness
• $3.2 million to improve the health of Canberra’s waterways through revegetation, weed control and water flow management efforts across the Ginninderra, Molonglo and southern ACT Catchments
• $5 million to improve cycling connections on the Northbourne Avenue corridor through the inner-north suburbs of Canberra through the construction of a new Garden City Cycle Route.
• $5 million to revitalise Canberra’s beloved Gorman House Arts Centre to support our vibrant arts community
• $750,000 to undertake a scoping study to investigate the options to give the University of Canberra Capitals WNBL team a permanent home stadium

Minister for Finance and Senator for the Australian Capital Territory, Katy Gallagher said that the 2022-23 Budget shows that the Albanese Government is one that keeps its promises and doesn’t take Canberra for granted.

“For too long, Canberra was overlooked by a cynical Coalition Government that failed to meet the needs of a growing city and cherished National Capital,” Senator Gallagher said.

“Tonight’s Federal Budget confirms that the Albanese Government values Canberra as the National Capital and delivers on its commitments and to make investments that build a better future.”

Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh MP said: “In the last budget, the ACT got just one-fifth of our fair share of infrastructure spending. Tonight’s budget shows that Australia now has a government that takes our city seriously.

“I’m proud to be part of a Canberra team and a Labor Government that is delivering for our great city.”

“Before the election we promised to invest in community infrastructure, climate action, and rebuilding the capacity of our public service. I am proud to see tonight a Labor budget that delivers on these commitments that benefit the Bean community and Australia,” Member for Bean, David Smith MP said.

Member for Canberra Alicia Payne MP said that she was proud to be part of a government that was investing in our nation’s capital.

“Canberra needs its fair share of federal investment and that is being restored in this budget because Labor cares about our city and ensuring it continues to grow into the future,” Alicia Payne said.