The Albanese government in Australia has announced several funding commitments in its latest budget, impacting a range of sectors and regions.

Key allocations include a $399 million investment in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an unmanned aircraft system to be produced by Boeing Defence Australia and delivered to the Australian Air Force by 2025. This project will create over 350 jobs across 200 local companies.

In the arts sector, $117 million over four years will be invested to support organizations like the Flying Fruit Circus in Albury, NSW, and the NAISDA Dance College in Kariong, NSW. This funding is intended to support a pipeline of artists and arts workers.

Additionally, $600,000 has been earmarked for a Cyclone Tracy memorial in Darwin, commemorating the disaster’s 50th anniversary and honoring the 71 lives lost.

The budget also addresses regional agricultural needs by adjusting the levy on sweet potatoes, reducing it from 1.5% to 0.5%, effective July 1, 2024.

For defense exports, an agreement has been secured to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to Germany, built in Redbank, Queensland, generating over 600 jobs and adding more than $1 billion to the economy.

A $500,000 grant will support the ABC’s Heywire competition, which encourages youth from regional, rural, and remote areas to share their stories and ideas.

Lastly, a $10 million pledge supports Australia Day activities, with $4.5 million designated for community events, targeting regional and remote communities.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the cost of living, strengthening Medicare, and increasing housing availability during the announcement of Labor’s third budget.