Today, the Government’s Mid-Year Budget Review revealed a debt explosion of nearly $2 billion since the last State Budget.
The Mid-Year Budget Review shows you can’t trust Labor with your money.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said, “Today we saw more proof that the Government is incapable of responsible fiscal management, which is why we are calling on the Treasurer to produce a debt management plan to address Labor’s record debt of $46 billion.”
“Net debt has ballooned out by almost $2 billion since the Government’s budget six months ago and since taking office, they have spent more than $2 million on extravagant ministerial travel and more than $100 million on Government advertising.
“This Government will continue to hide behind the façade of small operating surpluses to cover up the spiralling debt, budget overruns and delayed infrastructure projects.”
Following the nearly billion dollar overspend in the SA Health budget in the last financial year, the Government revealed a further operational blow out of $673 million in the Mid-Year Budget Review. This follows the worst ramping in South Australia’s history in July and August this year.
“Labor has had carriage of our health system for 18 out of the last 22 years, yet still cannot anticipate demand. Outcomes have never been worse for South Australians, whether it be record ramping, the second highest ED waiting times in the nation or a skyrocketing elective surgery waitlist – health is crumbling under Peter Malinauskas,” Shadow Treasurer, Sam Telfer said.
“Today’s Mid-Year Budget Review shows that Labor has lost control of the health system. They have already signalled that a number of major projects will not be delivered within their current budgets.”
Shadow Minister for Cost of Living, Heidi Girolamo added, “This Government is getting record revenue while slugging everyday South Australian families and business with increases to stamp duty, payroll tax and fees and charges.”
“This Government is hiding behind record stamp duty revenue in the middle of a housing crisis when in reality, South Australia remains one of the only jurisdictions to not offer stamp duty exemptions to first home buyers on existing homes.
“The Treasurer this morning was on live radio bragging about the major increase in stamp duty revenue. It is a slap in the face to those that have recently bought property, many for the first time, to be told this Government is delighting in their stamp-duty bill.
“It is shocking that in a cost of living crisis, Peter Malinauskas is taking more of your money through taxes to spend it on advertising, travel and pet projects.”
The Liberal Opposition has called on the Government to introduce stamp duty exemptions on existing homes for first home buyers and has committed to lifting the payroll tax threshold if elected in 2026.
