Media release and budget news


2020-21 ACT Budget – delivering what we promised & driving economic recovery

The 2020/21 ACT Budget delivers what we promised the people of Canberra, while driving Canberra’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Budget continues the ACT’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting our comprehensive public health response, and how we will help grow the ACT’s employment base with investments to support existing industries and grow new ones.

Never has the role of Government been clearer: to respond quickly, to invest, to support our most vulnerable, and to protect and shape the local economy through the recovery period.

The ACT Government will fund a strong, job creating infrastructure program, with significant investments in health, transport, education and training. This includes initial works to further expand our walk-in health centre network, and the construction of new and expanding schools in our growing suburbs.

After meeting our 2020 renewable energy goals, we are taking the next steps towards a zero net emissions future through effective measures that support Canberra households to invest in energy efficient upgrades.

Work is set to start on stage 2A of the city-wide light rail network, extending the network from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park in a project that will create 1000 local jobs.

The Budget continues to support the Territory’s public health response to COVID-19. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ACT will be one of the biggest logistical challenges the Government has faced, and this Budget ensures that resources will be available for the safe delivery of the vaccine to Canberrans.

The ACT has maintained the lowest unemployment rate, and one of the highest economic growth rates, in the nation. The ACT’s unemployment rate of 3.7 per cent and underemployment rate of 6.0 per cent in December 2020 remain the lowest of all jurisdictions, and our participation rate of 72.2 per cent is the second highest of all jurisdictions.

The ACT’s fiscal position has improved by $578.5 million over the coming four years, including a $306.5 million improvement in this fiscal year. Economic growth is forecast to be between 2 and 3 per cent over the next four years, off the back of a 2.4 per cent increase in 2019-20.

These revisions to the Territory’s fiscal and economic position demonstrates that our collective efforts to protect local jobs have been effective. The substantial economic recovery measures put in place by both the Territory and Commonwealth Governments have been kept more people employed and injected much needed cash into our economy. Programs such as the Jobs for Canberrans and the Fast-track suburban infrastructure roll-out have protected hundreds of jobs across the Territory.

The ACT’s economic recovery is not over. While the rollout of the national vaccine program is promising, it’s important that the ACT Government continues to be one of the mains drivers of economic development in the Territory to help protect local jobs.

Our plan for the ACT, endorsed by voters in October, is set for immediate delivery: protecting Canberrans’ health, rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine, taking action on climate change, protecting jobs, and supporting local jobs.


Read more about the 2020-21 ACT Budget on the Our Canberra website

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