The outlook summarises the 2025–26 Budget and forward estimates for the general government sector, the public trading enterprise sector and the total Australian Capital Territory Government. It provides details of the projected Budget results, and background information including economic conditions and federal financial relations. An overview of initiatives and the infrastructure investment program are provided.

This paper provides an in-depth review of Indigenous evaluation practices related to social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), mental health and suicide prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The review aims to contribute to the ongoing refinement of best practice evaluation practices that support the empowerment and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...

This report examines the early home environment of Australian children who became young carers, to what extent caring activities limit young people’s cognitive and psycho-social outcomes, and what explains the gaps between the developmental outcomes of young carers compared to their peers. It finds that caring does impair academic achievement of these young people.

This paper examines sports participation in Victoria from 2023 to 24, detailing who is participating, how and in what ways. The paper explores community sport and active recreation’s connection to public health, and its contribution to social and economic wellbeing. It provides a snapshot of the sector and the challenges continuing to impact it.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national measure of children’s development as they enter their first year of full-time school. The AEDC reveals trends in early childhood development. It can indicate what is working well to support children, and where opportunities exist to take further action.