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last mo.

SA Budget Boosts Steelworks and Police as Debt Forecast Rises

The 2025-26 budget commits to Whyalla steelworks, expanded police resources, COP31 preparations alongside a net debt increase to $48.5 billion by 2028-29.

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South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)

Overview

  • The budget allocates $650 million over six years for the Whyalla steelworks as part of a $2.4 billion sovereign steel package and administrators report that buyer engagement is progressing better than expected.
  • A $395 million law and order package includes $172 million over six years to recruit 326 sworn officers, aiming to lift the force to 5,000 by 2030-31 and upgrade facilities.
  • Adelaide will receive $8.3 million to prepare to host the UN’s COP31 climate summit, funding logistics, security and infrastructure planning ahead of a formal conference bid.
  • Treasurer Stephen Mullighan forecasts a $179 million surplus for 2025-26 and rising surpluses of $369 million and $458 million over the following two years alongside net debt climbing from $35.5 billion to $48.5 billion by 2028-29.
  • The budget includes $73 million for drought relief, $552.4 million for around 2,935 new homes and $171 million in low-interest loans for preschool infrastructure in non-government settings.