February
States reject ratings warning on debt
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is returning from a US mission to keep debt costs down, but S&P warns Australian states’ credit ratings are at risk of downgrade.
Can Queensland dig itself out of a $109 billion budget black hole?
Successive governments have announced, but never really stuck to, top-down fiscal rules designed to ensure the state’s finances don’t get out of control.
January
Debt blowout shows budget honesty is ‘crooked’ in Queensland
The shocking budget blowout after the state’s election last year shows a massive institutional failure that has lessons for governments across the country.
‘The numbers are breathtaking’: Qld’s interest bill worth 11 new hospitals
The states’ debt-servicing costs will probably continue to skyrocket as investors demand compensation for their fiscally reckless ways.
Debt explosion pushes Queensland to cusp of rating downgrade
Queensland is at risk of a credit rating downgrade as early as this year, after Treasurer David Janetzki released a dire fiscal update from the new LNP government.
Wage wars: Chaos as salary demands push state budgets to the brink
This week, simmering tensions between essential workers and cash-strapped governments caused mayhem around the country. Can leaders contain the fallout?
November 2024
Glencore, BHP & Co’s $9.4b wealth transfer now just part of life
Miners running up to Queensland is a good example of how business is playing Australian politics, where state premiers are the ones in high demand.
September 2024
Surprise government spending blowout hits $70b
Treasury may have underestimated a state and federal government budget spending splurge by $70 billion, which a string of economists warn will add to inflation.
June 2024
Are state governments on the brink of a debt crisis?
Victoria and Queensland have caught the infrastructure fever from NSW and have super-sized it. But financial discipline is in short supply.
Experts question Qld toll road accounting ‘magic pudding’
Queensland’s plan to resume operating the state’s toll roads from 2051 would add $3.6 billion in value to the state’s balance sheet, figures show.
Queensland cash splash could send inflation below 3pc
But economists warn billions in household subsidies will not make a rate cut more likely and could make the inflation problem worse.
Qld raises left-field solution to unlock billions for new tunnel
The government is working on a plan to resume operating the state’s toll roads to help finance a new multibillion-dollar tunnel construction.
Labor’s $11b election pitch a ‘deliberate choice’ for debt and deficit
Queensland Labor is mulling borrowing billions for a pre-election $11.2 billion giveaway budget that economists warn risks stoking inflation.
Queensland budget a populist clown show
The budget further trashes the Sunshine State’s traditional reputation as a low debt, lower taxing, business-friendly jurisdiction as Labor tries to spend its way back into power.
A blatant and cynical vote-buying budget
Critiquing this budget from a perspective of expenditure restraint, balanced budgets and low debt is a turkey shoot.
Winners and losers in the Queensland budget
An $11.2 billion spending spree on cost-of-living relief has showered Queenslanders with discounts for public transport and electricity bills.
Qld to slug miner with $20m tax rise
Mining giant Glencore will be the sole company affected by a Queensland payroll tax tweak that will cost the business $20 million and threaten to deepen tensions between the Labor government and resources sector.
Queensland Labor’s infrastructure bill soars to $107b
Treasurer Cameron Dick has flagged cost blowouts amid increased infrastructure investments ahead of next week’s state budget.
Labor to splash $26b on green energy projects in Qld
Queensland will increase its spend on green energy transition by $7 billion to $26 billion over the coming four years as new poll compounds fears of election wipeout.
May 2024
Miles’ 50¢ fares unlikely to save Queensland Labor
Queensland Labor’s $150 million pre-election cash splash follows a $1000 power bill rebate, but experts say most voters have already made up their minds.