The Treasurer introduced Labor’s first Budget into the House.

The Treasurer introduced Labor’s first Budget into the House.

As Finance Minister, I was proud to work with the Prime Minister and Treasurer on a Budget that delivers more for Canberrans.

Canberra was overlooked by the former Coalition Government for over a decade – Labor’s first Budget changes that.

The Albanese Government is getting on with the big reforms that change lives and the local projects that will shape our city’s future.

We’re making child care cheaper for 23,200 Canberra families and extending paid parental leave to a full six months – easing the pressure on household budgets and providing more support and flexibility to families.

We’re also making medicines cheaper to ease the cost of living and help more Canberrans afford the scripts they need, saving them up to $450 every single year.

At the same time, we’re delivering more local infrastructure by investing in the next stage of light rail, re-opening the AIS Arena and building community batteries in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

These are the big investments that meet the growing needs of our city.

And by re-introducing gender responsive budgeting and legislating for net zero emissions, we’ve put women and climate action at the heart of the Budget – where they belong.

I’m particularly proud as Minister for Women to deliver a Budget that puts women front and centre, because we cannot move forward as a country if more than half of us are being held back.

This is what good, progressive governments do – make investments that change lives for the better.

And while there’s more work to do, this first Budget is a good start.

You can check out more of what’s in the Budget for Canberra here.

Together, let’s keep building a better future for every Canberran.

Katy Gallagher
Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service
Senator for the ACT