Trump's Actions Are Hurting the ACT's Budget

Analysis of the budget is given.

The article is written by Greg Jennett.

The topic is about the State and Territory Government.

The article was published on Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 6:48am.

Treasurer Chris Steel presented the 2026-27 ACT budget.

Donald Trump does not care about the ACT's budget problems.

Trump's actions are making the ACT's financial problems worse.

The latest budget shows the 'Trump effect' is $2.3 million a day.

Here is how it affects the budget.

US forces were fighting in a war when the treasurer gave an update on the territory's budget.

There is a connection between the war and the budget problems.

The forecast deficit for the territory budget has increased by $240 million.

The war is not the only reason for the budget problems.

ACT Treasurer Chris Steel is trying to fix the budget.

If Mr Steel's efforts are hurt by decisions in other countries, it could get worse.

The budget reveals that rates will increase for most home owners.

The treasurer is optimistic that the Middle East war will end and oil prices will fall.

But if the war does not end, it could cause economic problems.

The treasurer has tried to plan for the worst-case scenario.

The worst-case scenario could lead to recession or deeper deficits.

A strategy might help the budget problems.

The ACT budget forecasts are often changed in a matter of months.

The treasurer is trying to calm residents and ratepayers.

The government is planning for a further extension in 2028.

The treasurer says they are still on track with their fiscal strategy.

An economist was critical of the government's fiscal strategy.

The economist said the strategy was too vague.

The government has set some measurable goals.

One goal is to end the debt-fuelled spending on infrastructure.

The treasurer has justified the spending in the past.

The government is trying to reduce its debt.

Some infrastructure projects will be deferred to save money.

The government is trying to reset its infrastructure spending.

The infrastructure spend is presented as a fixed figure.

Some people might be sceptical about the government's plans.

The government will turn to its 'trading enterprises' to own the debt.

The territory's finances have been a problem for a decade.

The government is trying not to hurt residents with higher rates and charges.

The treasurer has abandoned the $100 health levy.

The government is trying to encourage home ownership for younger Australians.

Other increased charges are relatively modest.

The government could be on a path to budget repair within three years.

But the path to budget repair is narrow.

The budget papers show that new spending commitments are growing faster than new savings or revenue.

Canberrans are taking matters into their own hands.

Canberrans are getting fewer speeding and parking fines.

The government is slashing its estimates for traffic fines.

Drivers are opting out of speeding and parking fines.

Maybe drivers are driving slower to conserve fuel.

Treasurer Steel wants the war to end so the Strait of Hormuz can reopen.

Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 6:48am

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