Australia's federal budget for 2026 has allocated $20 million to restore Sydney's Leichhardt Oval, the home ground of the Wests Tigers National Rugby League (NRL) team. The funding is part of a broader budget that includes billions for fuel resilience, tax cuts, hospital funding, and aged care, as well as major reforms to negative gearing, capital gains tax, and family trusts.
Key Budget Measures
Cervical Cancer Drugs
The drug Keytruda will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for cervical cancer patients, saving them up to $15,000 per script. In 2025, 946 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in Australia.
Increased Passenger Movement Charge
The Passenger Movement Charge, payable by passengers leaving Australia by air or sea, will rise by $10 to $80 from January 2027. The charge is included in airline ticket prices.
Abolition of 'Nuisance Tariffs'
Nearly 500 tariffs on imported goods such as wine glasses, tyres, air conditioners, margarine, and bitumen will be eliminated to boost productivity and reduce red tape. This is expected to reduce government revenue by $70 million over five years.
Homebuyer Ban Extension
The ban on foreign investors purchasing established homes will be extended until 30 June 2029, instead of ending next year.
Local Sporting Organisations
The budget provides $400,000 to the South Melbourne Football Club for participation in the Oceania Football Confederation Pro League, and $300,000 to Wilston-Grange Australian Football Club for new electronic screens.
Rugby League Funding
In addition to the $20 million for Leichhardt Oval, the budget includes tax exemptions for players and staff of the new Papua New Guinean NRL team, the Chiefs, costing $5.4 million over four years. There is also $15 million for a permanent base for the North Queensland Cowboys' women's team at West Barlow Park in Cairns.
Drone and E-Bike Regulation
The government will not proceed with recreational drone registration requirements from 1 July 2026. However, $6.6 million over three years will be allocated for reforms to strengthen product safety, including introducing standards for e-bikes and nationally consistent requirements for e-micromobility devices.
Aircraft Noise and Price Monitoring
$38 million will go towards a new Aviation Consumer Protection Authority and an independent ombudsman for aircraft noise. Additionally, $4.5 million will be provided to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor prices and competitiveness in the domestic airline sector.
Bird Flu Preparedness
$11.2 million is allocated this year to maintain preparedness against High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI H5), including measures to protect priority native wildlife.
Media Funding
The ABC receives an extra $14 million over two years for its Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy. Australian Associated Press gets $15 million for financial sustainability. The Commercial Broadcasting Tax suspension, previously announced, will provide $111 million in relief to commercial broadcasters.
Wharf Repair
The Australian National Maritime Museum will receive $10.1 million over two years for safety repairs to its wharves at Sydney's Darling Harbour.
