'Back to the drawing board': ACT Greens won't support budget's health levy

Canberra Liberals set to decide future of Steel's controversial 'health tax'

Canberra's health tax faces scrutiny as Greens oppose, leaving decision to Liberals. Labor seeks support for $250 levy.

'Back to the drawing board': ACT Greens won't support budget's health levy

Labor's budget plans have been thrown into doubt with the ACT Greens announcing they will not support a proposed $250 health levy, calling it an "unfair and regressive tax".

Budget shock: Greens won't support $250 health levy

Shane Rattenbury… “Not only is this levy unfair, but it passes on the failures of both territory and federal Labor to create a truly universal healthcare system.” The ACT Greens will not support Labor’s budget proposal of a $250 health levy on everyday Canberrans. The Greens hold the balance of power in the Legislative Assembly and have effectively sunk the contentious and unpopular surprise announced in Treasurer Chris Steel’s debt-ridden budge…

2025-26 Australian Capital Territory Budget - Hawker Britton

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Treasurer Chris Steel MLA delivered the 2025-26 Budget. This is the first Budget delivered by Chris Steel following his appointment to the role of Treasurer post the ACT elections in October 2024. The Budget outlines the Government’s plan to support Canberra’s growing population through investments in health, housing, education, infrastructure and community services, while charting a pa…

ACT Greens won't support $250 health levy, and Libs may join them

ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury says the health levy is unfair. Photo: Michelle Kroll. The Barr Government’s centrepiece $250 health levy on Canberra property owners is in doubt after the ACT Greens vowed to vote against the measure in the Legislative Assembly – and the Canberra Liberals appear open to join them. In his Budget Reply speech late on Thursday (27 June), Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury said the levy was regressive and unfair, in c…