Government fiscal support through the quarter continued to target healthcare spending, however provision of assistance to households, businesses and non-profit institutions decreased from September quarter 2021. Governments eased COVID-19 restrictions in the December quarter, with most States and Territories experiencing fewer days in lockdown in the December quarter when compared to the September quarter.
Change (a) in days within the quarter where at least one area of the state was in lockdown, September to December quarter 2021
Change (a) in days within the quarter where at least one area of the state was in lockdown, September to December quarter 2021:
New South Wales -81
Victoria -53
Queensland -12
South Australia -8
Western Australia -1
Tasmania +3
Northern Territory +20
Australian Capital Territory -50
- approximate
State and territory governments continued to provide subsidies direct to lockdown impacted businesses through the Commonwealth-State Joint Business Support Programs (BSPs). Commonwealth government also continued the support to households in lockdown affected areas through COVID-19 Disaster Payments.
Commonwealth, state, and territory governments continued to expense costs associated with the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Other healthcare spending remained elevated, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, due to ongoing COVID-19 health response expenditure on frontline staff, testing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Through the year, businesses recovered from COVID-19 lockdowns, and the labour market also continued to improve. Commonwealth taxation increased across company income tax, personal income tax and GST, while states received more payroll and gambling tax.