Big spending on cost-of-living support, health in Queensland government’s pre-election budget

Queensland’s treasurer has handed down a big-spending, pre-election budget, offering up $3.7 billion in new cost-of-living relief — unapologetically plunging the state into deficit.

Fees and charges, including for drivers licences, will be frozen next financial year at a cost of $180 million, in the latest move announced by the government designed to assist Queenslanders.

It adds to the already-announced six-month trial of 50-cent public transport fares, a 20 per cent cut to car registration fees for 12 months, and an increase to the stamp duty threshold for first home buyers.