THE projected deficit for 2017-18 has halved and the ACT remains on track for a balanced budget in 2018-19, according to the government’s Budget update. 

Almost 7000 more people now call Canberra home than a year ago, attracted by the bright opportunities here and our world-beating quality of living.,” says Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr.

“Last year, over 10,000 new jobs were created in Canberra: the strongest year of job creation in a decade. Over 80 per cent of those new jobs were full time – giving Canberra families the stability and security they need to enter 2018 with optimism. This is a strong and very encouraging indication of increasing diversity in our economy.”

He says as a result of the Budget review:

• There will be more surgeries this year – cutting waiting times.
• More paramedics.
• The rollout of laptops to all ACT public secondary students is ahead of schedule.
• More investment in courts and community safety.      
• The Utilities Concession has increased by $50 to help eligible households meet rising cost of living. This will bring the total payment available to $654 a year, which comes directly off electricity bills to reduce household costs.

The Budget Review 2017-18 is available from the ACT Treasury website (treasury.act.gov.au/)