Federal budget 2022-23: what’s in store for the ACT

We take a look at the investments in the 2022 Federal budget for the ACT.

The long awaited pre-election Federal budget for 2022-23 was released on Tuesday night.

While the treasurer’s speech can hold the attention of many across the nation, even a 30-minute monologue cannot convey the minute details of budget papers.

We read through the fine print to see what’s in store for the ACT so you don't have to.

Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg arrives to deliver his National Press Club budget address at Parliament House on March 30, 2022. Picture: Martin Ollman/Getty Images

Infrastructure

The federal government will invest $51M for priority road projects in the ACT.

This investment adds on to the previous investments from the government since the 2013-14 budget which totals $1.3 billion.

Road investments include:

• $46.7 million for the Athllon Drive Duplication
• $2.8 million for Kent Street and Novar Street Intersection Upgrades
• $1.5 million for the Inner Canberra Corridor Planning Package. Partial funding for this measure has already been provided for by the Government
  

The Federal government has committed $51M for infrastructure projects in the ACT over the next financial year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Public Service

Unsurprisingly the Australian Public Service is one of Canberra’s biggest employers.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released last year almost 40 per cent of APS workers live in ACT.

The Agency Resourcing section of the Federal budget details the staffing of various APS departments, from Treasury, to Services Australia to the National Gallery of Australia.

Services Australia will cut its workforce from 28,869 to 26,150, a reduction of 2719 staff members which is sure to be felt in Canberra.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will also face workforce cuts, with staffing expected to fall from 3398 to 2666 over the next financial new year.

In contrast the Department of Home Affairs is expected to see a boost in its workforce from 13,512 to 14010.