Australia Capital Territory (ACT) 2025 – 2026 Budget

The ACT 2025-26 Budget was handed down on 24 June 2025. Here are some highlights:

• The Government will continue the implementation of the ACT Small Business Strategy through the extension of the Canberra Advice and Support Service, the Social Enterprise Grant program and Industry Event Sponsorship.
• The Government will continue support for local start-ups and innovators through operational funding for the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN). This includes funding for the Innovation Connection grant program and an extension of the lease agreement on CBRIN’s Moore Street premises.
• The Government will provide additional funding to Screen Canberra to continue to promote and grow the ACT screen industry through developing local capabilities and attracting screen production projects to the ACT, including a funding program for the Screen and Digital Games industry.
• The Government will support local hospitality businesses and venues and encourage more live music and entertainment, by building on existing reforms and reducing annual liquor licence fees by 50% for two years.
• The Government will extend the Sustainable Household Scheme by providing $75 million in low-interest loans for battery storage, zero emissions vehicles and chargers, ceiling insulation and energy efficient electric appliances.
• The Government will expand funding available in the Community Sports Facility Program to support new and upgraded community sporting infrastructure.
• The Government will reduce motor vehicle duty concessions for zero emission vehicles to ensure a minimum 2.5% duty is paid on new transactions and with increasing duty rates proportionally based on emissions and value, from 1 September 2025. A new tax rate of 8% for motor vehicle duty on the value of vehicles above $80,000 will also apply.
• The Government will continue the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme; the Home Energy Efficiency Program to deliver free in-home energy assessments; the Sustainable Business Program to offer free energy assessment for small businesses; the First Nations Home Energy Support program to provide free support to First Nations households; and support for apartment buildings to electrify. This funding will also see the commencement of the Commercial Building Electrification pilot program to transition commercial buildings off gas.
• The Government will double annual funding available under the Tenant Participation Grants program, from $70,000 currently to $140,000, to support the participation of public and community housing tenants in social, educational and work-related activities.
• Cost of living assistance measures introduced in the budget include:
  1. Permanently increasing the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate to $800 to eligible recipients in 2025-26 (around 40,000 households).
  2. Providing a one-off payment of $250 to all ACT apprentices and trainees working in the ACT and an additional $250 to first-year apprentice and trainees.
  3. A $150 registration fee reduction for light trailers and caravans weighing 4.5 tonnes or less.
  4. Increasing stamp duty concessions for first home buyers, pensioners, and people with disability.
  5. A free school camp at Birrigai Outdoor School for primary school students at ACT public schools.
  6. An expansion of the Future of Education Equity fund in the 2025 school year to support an additional 1,000 students.
  7. Establishing a Food Bank Fund to support Canberrans facing financial stress and food insecurity.

Budget papers can be found here.