Overview
- The independent review, delivered Tuesday, says the ACT’s deteriorating finances reflect decisions to expand services and infrastructure without matching revenue.
- Saul Eslake urges a tighter fiscal plan that targets cash surpluses before 2030, caps interest costs as a share of income, and requires regular public progress reports.
- He identifies health as the biggest saving opportunity, noting ACT hospitals treat many NSW patients and receive payments that fall about 23 percent short of the cost.
- He outlines revenue options that include reshaping payroll tax by lowering the top rate and the tax‑free threshold and raising gambling tax take, with a warning that firms can move to NSW.
- Treasurer Chris Steel says the government will weigh the advice through future budgets, with an Assembly committee report due in August to guide the response after forecasts in 2025 swung from a $1.1 billion deficit to a projected $499.1 million shortfall for 2025–26.