What’s happening?
The 2025/26 Federal Budget has landed, and according to Federal Member for Bowman, Henry Pike MP, it does more to prop up short-term politics than long-term prosperity. Despite record tax receipts, the Budget forecasts a string of ongoing deficits and rising debt—while offering little to address the soaring cost of living or deliver vital projects for Redlands.
“Tonight’s Budget doesn’t set Australia up for the next five years. It sets Labor up for the next five weeks,” said Mr Pike.
Why it matters
This Budget lays out the government’s plan for Australia’s economic future—but Pike argues it’s a missed opportunity that falls short of real reform. He raised alarm over the shift from last year’s surplus to projected multi-billion-dollar deficits and warned of the consequences for families and businesses.
“Surpluses have now turned into forecasts of never-ending deficits,” Pike said. “Ultimately, this means more pressure on prices, more debt, and a tougher road ahead for Australian families.”
He also criticised the planned intake of 1.8 million new migrants over five years, combined with what he calls “loose spending”, warning this could drive up housing costs and further strain infrastructure.
Local Impact
For Redlands, the Budget offers limited wins and several funding setbacks:
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Disaster Recovery: $1.2 billion has been allocated nationally following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but Redlands-specific recovery grants for local businesses and community rebuilding have been left out. “Our community deserves the same level of support,” Pike said, pushing for Business Recovery Grants and a Community Recovery Fund.
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Mobile Infrastructure: Funding cuts to the Mobile Black Spot Program and Peri-Urban Mobile Program have raised serious concerns. “Our community isn’t left in the dark when it matters most,” Pike said, urging residents to share mobile failure experiences to strengthen the case for restored funding.
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Redland Hospital: No allocation for Stage 2 upgrades. Stage 1, funded under the previous government, is expected to deliver 37 new inpatient beds and an ICU this year, but further expansion is urgently needed. “We need the Stage 2 investment to cater for our growing city.”
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Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program: Scrapped. Over $15.6 million in Redlands projects—like lighting upgrades, playgrounds, drainage improvements, and pedestrian safety works—were funded through this now-defunct program. “Disappointing,” Pike said.
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Stronger Communities Program: In its final year. Redlands benefited from $1.35 million in funding for community and sporting groups over nine years. “This will have a real impact on the capacity of local organisations.”
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SEQ City Deal: $337 million has been committed over the forward estimates. Projects include ferry terminal upgrades at Dunwich and sports facility upgrades across Thorneside, Ormiston, Capalaba, and Wellington Point.
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Kinross Upgrades: Funding secured through the Housing Support Program to complete footpaths, roundabouts, lighting, and stormwater drainage—labelled “a welcome and long overdue investment.”
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Brisbane Metro Expansion: The Carindale to Capalaba extension study remains unfunded, despite earlier federal commitments.
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Fuel Excise: The government expects to rake in $30.9 billion over the next four years in fuel excise revenue. Meanwhile, Redlanders pay almost $500 more annually for fuel than Brisbane residents. “It’s time for the government to step up and deliver relief at the bowser.”
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Native Title Compensation: The Budget reveals a significant but unquantified liability. “Australians are left in the dark on the financial impact,” said Pike.
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Redland Whitewater Centre: No investment figure yet. The Games Infrastructure Authority’s Project Validation Report is still in progress, with funding to be decided jointly by the Australian and Queensland governments.
By the Numbers
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$1.2 billion: Allocated for national disaster recovery post-Cyclone Alfred.
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$15.6 million: Invested in Redlands over 5 years via now-defunct infrastructure programs.
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1.8 million: Migrants forecast to arrive in Australia over the next five years.
Zoom In
Projects like CCTV at Victoria Point Reserve, solar lighting at Capalaba Regional Park, and pedestrian upgrades in Wellington Point were funded under scrapped programs. These tangible community benefits are now at risk.
Pike also continued his call for greater transparency and urgency on critical Redlands healthcare, infrastructure, and cost-of-living relief.
Zoom Out
Nationally, key economic forecasts from the Budget show deteriorating fiscal health and rising debt:
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Net operating deficit of -$35.4 billion forecast for 2025/26
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Net debt projected to climb to $768.2 billion by 2028/29
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CPI peaks at 3% in 2025/26
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Unemployment holds steady at 4¼%
Explore how different economic settings would affect Australia’s future using the Parliamentary Budget Office’s interactive tool: Build Your Own Budget
“Let me know how you go. What would you change, and why?” – Henry Pike
What to look for next
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Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will deliver the full Budget-in-Reply speech on Thursday evening.
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Funding decision pending for the Redland Whitewater Centre, once the Project Validation Report is complete.
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Continued advocacy for mobile infrastructure, Stage 2 Redland Hospital funding, and disaster recovery grants.
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Monitoring rollout of SEQ City Deal projects and Kinross estate infrastructure upgrades.
Read the Opposition’s initial response here: Budget: The Next Five Weeks, Not the Next Five Years
