What’s in it for tourism: A Federal Budget summary
The 2025–26 Federal Budget has delivered limited direct investment for Australia’s tourism sector, with most initiatives broadly targeted at cost-of-living relief, housing, healthcare, education and the economy.
While QTIC acknowledges the Federal Government’s fiscal pressures and focus on economic recovery, this
Budget falls short of the strategic investment required to strengthen Australia’s global competitiveness.
The following analysis highlights key implications for the tourism industry in Queensland, particularly
in relation to QTIC’s pre-budget submission and strategic priorities outlined in our 2025–26 Budget
Submission.
In the 2025–26 Federal Budget, the Australian Government has committed up to $3.4 billion to support the
delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This funding includes up to $2.5 billion for the
Brisbane Arena and up to $935 million for new and upgraded venue infrastructure across Queensland.
However, recent developments indicate a shift in plans. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has announced
the cancellation of the Brisbane Arena project, opting instead for the construction of a new 63,000-seat
stadium at Victoria Park to serve as the main venue for the 2032 Games. This decision aims to reallocate the
federal funds initially earmarked for the Brisbane Arena to this new stadium project.