Economist Says Queensland’s Decision to Run $3 Billion Deficit Purely ‘Political’

Queensland’s 2024-25 budget is expected to be released with a $3 billion (US$1.9 billion) deficit on June 11, and additional forecasts predicting a $1 billion shortfall the following year. Treasurer Cameron Dick said the deficit was necessary to prevent families from suffering during the cost of living crisis. “While our government would like to see a surplus in the next two financial years, that will not come at the cost of Queensland families running deficits on their household budgets,” Mr. Dick said in a statement on May 21. Housing and health have been the focus of the government’s spending. In the Wide Bay region, in central Queensland, Labor recently announced a “record” $1.2 billion investment in the new Bundaberg Hospital, and confirmed social housing in the coastal town of Hervey Bay....