.The general government sector recorded an operating surplus of $2.6 billion for the nine months to 31 March 2026, broadly consistent with the surplus recorded for the same period last year. Higher general government revenue reflected increases in tax, dividend and roaylty revenue, partly offset by lower Commonwealth funding. Expenses also increased, mainly for employee costs for frontline services, particularly in hospitals and schools.
Infrastructure spending for the nine months to 31 March 2026 totalled $8.5 billion, with progress on a range of hospital, battery storage and other priority works. Total public sector net debt stood at $32.5 billion at 31 March 2026, $2 billion lower than the projection for 30 June 2026 reflected in the recent Budget.
Care should be exercised in extrapolating the likely outcome for the 2025-26 year based on the results to date. Final results will be provided in the 2025-26 Annual Report on State Finances (due to be released by 28 September 2026).
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