The ACT's economic recovery will hinge upon hopes that people will use their lockdown savings to spend big as the territory government posts its largest ever deficit of close to $1 billion.
The ACT budget was handed down on Wednesday, with big expenditures for young people, hospitals and schools. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the budget was designed to aid in the ACT's post-lockdown and post-COVID recovery.
The rubber will finally hit the road early next year as the government's planned $37.5 million phase-in of electric buses for Canberra comes to fruition.
Initiatives to reduce workplace violence, remove hazardous materials and improve disability inclusion in ACT schools have received funding in the ACT 2021-22 budget.
The ACT government's "full throttle" spending spree to repair the territory's economy beyond the pandemic will see debt levels nearly double over first half of the decade.
The AIS Arena could remain a mass vaccination clinic well into 2022 as Chief Minister Andrew Barr hopes the federal government will continue to partner with states and territories to roll out booster shots.
The ACT's health system will receive a $461 million boost over four years to boost capacity amid growing demand across the territory, adding four extra intensive care beds at Canberra Hospital.
