The Northern Territory’s budget has been announced, with a projected deficit of almost $800m – more than triple what was predicted.
The budget, the last handed down by NT Treasurer David Tollner, the last shows a previously predicted return to surplus for 2017/2018 pushed back by two years.
The territory government says a “responsible” budget is needed to see a return to surplus.
$1.7 billion has been announced for general infrastructure projects, $768m for law and order and just over $1.5 billion for health, which includes new cardiothoracic and neurological services for the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Included in the budget is a $20m home improvement voucher program, $20m for adventure tourism initiatives and $500,000 for a bush tucker industry study.
$1 million has also been confirmed for consultation and establishment of the Remote Housing Development Authority, which is due to become operational in July 2017.
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