Latest news with #PeterMalinauskas
ABC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
South Australian treasurer Stephen Mullighan set to deliver 2025 state budget
South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan are handing down their last budget before the 2026 state election. Follow along for all the latest updates.
ABC News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Why law and order has become the focus of the 2025 state budget
If you asked South Australians what they'd like to see in this year's state budget, it's likely their answer would touch on housing or cost-of-living relief. Both have been persistent issues over recent years and, despite taking centre stage in prior budgets, affordability is still a widespread problem in SA. The cost of housing — for both renters and buyers — continues to soar. But the key theme of this year's budget, to be handed down by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan on Thursday, is shaping up quite differently. For what will be Labor's last budget before next year's state election, Mr Mullighan will shift the focus to law and order. The government's change in priorities hasn't happened overnight. Over recent months, moves have been underway to elevate issues involving police and the broader legal system. In December, police in SA won their biggest pay rise in 30 years — with salaries increasing up to 17.9 per cent within a single year. The following month, Premier Peter Malinauskas tapped Mr Mullighan, one of his most senior ministers, to add the police portfolio to his responsibilities. Mr Malinauskas set the scene for budget week on Monday, spending the night with workers at the police communications centre. Pre-budget announcements this week have included $6.8 million for new police firearms, and the same amount for high-tech security scanners at prisons. Then on Wednesday, Mr Malinauskas and Mr Mullighan stood alongside Police Commissioner Grant Stevens to announce $17.8 million to double the number of motorcycle officers. With polling day now less than 10 months away, the budget will give a glimpse into the government's direction as it enters campaign mode. As the Premier is keen to stress, ensuring community safety is a key responsibility of government. It's also played a major role in deciding political fortunes interstate. Reducing youth crime rates, including with an "adult crime adult time" policy, was an integral part of the LNP's campaign in the lead-up to the Queensland election last year. Youth crime has been an issue in Victoria too, where the government came under significant pressure to tighten youth bail laws. The NT government last year lowered the age of criminal responsibility in the Territory from 12 to 10 — reversing a move of the previous Labor government. Crime has not been the political liability in South Australia that it has elsewhere — and Mr Stevens has denied that there is a "youth crime crisis" in this state. But issues of community safety, including youth crime in Port Augusta, have generated publicity and fed into repeated opposition claims that there is a crisis. It is one area that has the potential to become a vulnerability for the government in the lead-up to the election — and a problem they'd rather get ahead of. A law and order budget will be well-received by sections of the community who believe there's a crime problem in SA. But the government must be careful not to leave the impression that it has moved on from issues of housing, cost-of-living and health before they have been fixed. A recent "Wicked Problems Report" from Flinders University surveyed more than 30,000 Australians to determine the issues that matter most to them. Cost-of-living topped the list of concerns for South Australians, followed by housing unaffordability. A lower number, 27 per cent, listed crime and safety as one of their major concerns. Such diversity of views makes selling a budget a tricky exercise — even for a popular government. The state government will be keen on Thursday to draw attention to funding commitments and "sweetener" measures that will help household bottom lines. But budgets are largely made up of existing funding commitments, which don't win the government any new brownie points. In recent years, Labor has poured billions of dollars of extra funding into the state's health system. The budget must also cover the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital and SA's 50/50 share of the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington Project — the two biggest infrastructure projects in the state's history. The Whyalla rescue package and drought assistance measures are unforeseen costs that will also need to be factored in. To do all this, the government has needed to take on more debt — and convince the taxpayer that it's all for good reason. When then-treasurer Tom Koutsantonis described his 2017 budget as "very sexy" and "walking down the street with a red dress on", he set up a challenge for his successors. Rob Lucas, the next to hold the job, described one of his budgets as wearing overalls and a high-vis vest, while another was in a business suit and sensible shoes. This year's state budget looks as though it will arrive in a blue police uniform. It may not be as seductive as the red dress, but the government will be hoping it does just as good a job at wooing voters in 2026.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Festival state eyes climate summit amid debt concerns
A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety. A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety. A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety. A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Festival state eyes climate summit amid debt concerns
A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety.
West Australian
a day ago
- Business
- West Australian
Festival state eyes climate summit amid debt concerns
A state budget investment will kickstart preparations for Australia to potentially host the world's biggest annual climate change conference. South Australia's budget, to be handed down on Thursday by Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, will commit $8.3 million for Adelaide to get ready for the UN's COP31 summit. The federal government has selected Adelaide as its preferred city to host the event, if Australia's bid for the conference is successful. Analysis shows hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit to SA of $512 million. The budget will fund significant planning for security, transport and infrastructure at COP31, which Premier Peter Malinauskas said would be bigger than the AFL's Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe combined. "To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort … it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do," he said. The budget is the last before the state election in March 2026. Sweeteners are unlikely with the government already locked into two big-ticket, long-term infrastructure projects: the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington tunnels project and the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital. Those projects are the main reason SA's debt is heading towards $46 billion in four years. Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the government must prioritise cost-of-living relief. "The Labor government has so far failed to deliver where it's most needed, with South Australians paying record high power bills and struggling with a housing affordability crisis," he said. "There are practical solutions that the Liberal Party have put forward, including stamp duty relief, reintroducing the home battery scheme and scrapping the GP payroll tax grab." The government will be expected to respond to calls for increased support for farmers and rural areas, amid the state's worsening drought. With dams running dry, no sub soil moisture, hay stocks at critical levels and farmers selling livestock, the agricultural sector will be hoping for an increase to the $73 million of support already announced. The impact on the budget's bottom line of the joint state and federal $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steelworks, announced in March, will also be monitored. The government has already announced $125 million over five years to remove a level crossing on a key northern suburbs thoroughfare, matching a federal funding commitment to the project. A further $171 million will go towards the expansion of a non-government school loan scheme, to increase eligibility for preschool infrastructure projects before the introduction of preschool for three-year-olds from 2026. The government will spend $13.9 million over five years to expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across Adelaide, in which mental health clinicians are paired with a police officer respond to mental health triple-zero callouts. A security task force to combat antisocial and violent behaviour across the Adelaide Metro network will also be rolled out as part of a $9.6 million investment in transport safety.
