Australia state budgets: NSW lowers toll cap, Queensland pledges infrastructure spending

New South Wales handed down its budget on Tuesday, including a reduction of the weekly road toll cap from $60 to $50 for one year starting July 6. Transport Minister John Graham said nearly 950,000 toll account holders have received cash back under the $60 cap, and lowering it to $50 will add another 200,000. Additionally, toll administration fees will be scrapped in July. State Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the budget focuses on "relief, reform and discipline" as the state's growth forecast for 2026-27 dropped from 2.5% to 1% due to rising inflation and a global oil shock.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki delivered his second budget, described as cautious rather than reformist. Premier David Crisafulli promised no new or increased taxes and continued funding for the 50-cent public transport fare scheme. The budget allocates a record $119.2 billion for infrastructure over four years, including $55.9 billion for roads and transport. The Gold Coast light rail stage 4 will be replaced by a "metro bus" route called "The Surfer." Opposition leader Steven Miles claimed infrastructure projects would be deferred or downgraded.

Other news: Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the arrival of H5 bird flu was "not unexpected" as it spreads through migratory birds. It has not reached poultry, and the CSIRO is working on a vaccine. The risk to humans is low. The revamped Australian War Memorial opens tonight, attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ben Roberts-Smith, a former soldier charged with war crimes. Roberts-Smith denies the allegations. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles also promoted a $2.5 billion defence export deal with Canada.