Budget 2026 is significantly larger than Budget 2025, with a net operating package averaging $2.1 billion per year, compared to $1.3 billion per year in 2025. This suggests a shift toward increased government spending after a more restrained 2025 Budget.

Health remains the Government’s top priority, receiving the largest increase in both 2025 and 2026. In 2026, health funding rose to $5.8 billion over four years, showing continued pressure on frontline healthcare services.

Defence spending increased sharply in 2026, with major capital investment of $2.3 billion, signalling a stronger focus on national security and military capability.

Transport received major infrastructure investment, with nearly $2.9 billion in capital spending in 2026 despite relatively smaller annual operating funding. This indicates long-term investment in roads, rail, and infrastructure projects.

Education funding also expanded, increasing from $381 million annually in 2025 to more than $2 billion over four years in 2026, including tertiary education support.