Ukraine has launched a "special mechanism of controlled export" for weapons, with a portion of export revenues funding the domestic defense industry. Minimum contract values and conditions apply, and exports may be denied if items are needed for Ukraine's defense or are critical products.
Hungary's new government, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, is reviewing the financing of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant project, a Rosatom initiative, as part of efforts to address the state budget's "terrible state" and a projected 7% GDP deficit.
Indigenous groups in NSW have criticized the latest state budget as a missed opportunity, citing a lack of innovation and investment in key areas like land claims and social housing. Despite $154 million allocated to improve First Nations outcomes, critics argue it falls short of community needs and empowerment.
Queensland's budget forecasts a $6.2 billion deficit for the next financial year, but anticipates a $619 million surplus by 2029-30. The budget includes $9.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, increased school voucher funding, and frozen bulk water charges.
Queensland's LNP government budget includes an extra $50 for primary school students' back-to-school payments, raising it to $150. Despite charting a return to surplus by 2029-30, total debt is projected to exceed $200 billion over the next four years, with annual interest payments nearing $11 billion. The budget also caps senior executive roles to save tens of millions.
Queensland's budget will increase the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme fuel payment by 11 cents/km to 45 cents and add $17 million. Advocates call it "a drop in the ocean," wanting 86 cents/km. Accommodation subsidies remain unchanged. A two-year freeze on bulk water prices in southeast Queensland is also included.
New South Wales' upcoming budget will lower public transport fare caps on Opal and credit card payments to ease cost-of-living pressures. The Minns government aims for fiscal restraint while addressing inflation and housing affordability, balancing relief with economic discipline.
Czechia's coalition government has approved a bill to scrap the current license fee for Czech Television and Czech Radio, moving their funding to the state budget from next year. Critics warn this could lead to budget cuts, layoffs, and political interference, calling it 'cultural vandalism' and a threat to democracy.
Russia's Defense Ministry claims US-funded biolabs in Ukraine studied pathogens of plague, anthrax, tularemia, Marburg fever, and Ebola. Lieutenant General Alexey Rtishchev stated that American intelligence materials confirmed US budget funding and top-secret research coordinated by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Illinois has enacted a $55.9 billion budget featuring a first-of-its-kind 0.2% tax on crypto assets, set to take effect in January 2027. The Digital Asset Tax Act will levy a privilege tax on digital asset brokers for customer transactions, drawing sharp criticism from industry leaders concerned about discriminatory practices and potential capital flight.
South Australia's Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis presented a budget grappling with persistent challenges from 2017, including the Whyalla steelworks and a new hospital project facing cost blowouts. New geopolitical instability, particularly the Iran War, adds significant uncertainty to revenue forecasts, while rising debt and interest expenses pose further risks.
South Australia's latest budget, delivered by Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, grapples with persistent challenges from 2017, including the Whyalla steelworks and the Women's and Children's Hospital project. New geopolitical instability, particularly the Iran War, adds significant forecasting difficulty and risk to the state's finances, with projected net debt rising sharply.
South Australia's 2026-27 budget prioritizes cost-of-living relief and housing initiatives, allocating $1.3B for rent-to-own homes and significant funds for education and business support. Despite a projected surplus, state debt is expected to exceed $53B by 2029-30.
South Australia's state budget focuses on cost-of-living relief and business stability, but faces criticism over rising debt, insufficient housing investment, and potential impacts of public service cuts. Key announcements include public transport fare pauses, NDIS support, and IVF funding.
France's next state budget, to be discussed in autumn, will feature a "transparency operation" to distinguish public service operating costs from pension expenses, according to Public Accounts Minister David Amiel.
Health groups in Tasmania are criticizing $700 million in budget cuts to the Health Department, deeming them 'completely unrealistic' and a 'joke.' The cuts, part of a larger $1.47 billion public service efficiency drive, are expected to impact patient care and staff workloads.
Health groups in Tasmania are criticizing the state budget's $702.61 million in cuts to the Health Department over four years, deeming them "completely unrealistic" and disconnected from the system's needs.
Tasmania's upcoming state budget faces a bleak financial outlook, with projected cuts to essential services like ambulances and housing despite a significant debt burden. Independent economist Saul Eslake calls for a credible plan to achieve fiscal surplus, while Treasurer Eric Abetz is expected to implement budget cuts.
The Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE) faces funding challenges, relying on volunteers and donations for its latest show 'Particles' after failing to secure grants. This highlights broader concerns about declining arts funding in Tasmania, which is reportedly the lowest in Australia.
Some WA families could receive thousands of dollars from this year's cost-of-living relief measures in the state budget. Here's how to work out what you are eligible for.
Some WA families could receive thousands of dollars from this year's cost-of-living relief measures in the state budget. Here's how to work out what you are eligible for.
Residents in regional Western Australia say the 2026–27 State Budget fails to provide any significant cost of living relief to those living outside of Perth or major regional cities.
The state budget landed on the same day the Reserve Bank once again jacked up interest rates, and ABC listeners say the cost of living is keeping them awake at night, Raf Epstein writes.
The state budget landed on the same day the Reserve Bank once again jacked up interest rates, and ABC listeners say the cost of living is keeping them awake at night, Raf Epstein writes.
