Is Australia's Government Really on an 'Out-of-Control' Spending Splurge?

Published 2026-11-01

Australians have been hearing a lot of debate about how much the federal government is spending. A recent analysis in The Guardian asks a simple question: is government spending really out of control? The short answer, according to the article, is yes. But the full picture is more complicated than that.

The figures show a large increase in total government expenses. Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, spending rose by about 30 per cent. Some areas grew much faster than others. For example, spending on fuel and energy increased by 103 per cent over the same period, meaning it more than doubled. Spending in the general public services category also rose, although the article's summary does not give the full details of that change.

However, the article suggests that a rise in spending does not automatically mean the government is spending carelessly. Several factors can push costs up, including changes in energy prices, economic conditions, and the level of support that governments choose to provide to households and businesses. To judge whether spending is 'out of control', readers need to look at what the money is used for, how it compares with the size of the economy, and whether the government's income is keeping pace.

In short, the increase in government spending is real and significant. Whether it is a problem depends on how people weigh the reasons behind it and the trade-offs involved. For Australians, the debate is likely to continue as the government prepares its future budgets.

Sources: The Guardian

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