It is fair to say that the headline from the Treasurer’s speech last night was the announcement of tax cuts to come into effect next year.

These “top-up” tax cuts take the current lowest tax bracket from 16 per cent, which applies to taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000, and reduces it to 15 per cent on 1 July 2026 and then from 1 July 2027, this tax rate will be further reduced to 14 per cent.

The tax cuts are estimated to save taxpayers as much as $268 in the first year, and another $268 in the second.

While small, they do attempt to help address bracket creep, which occurs when people are pushed into a higher tax bracket because their salary increases. This will be especially welcomed by the nearly 30 per cent of South Australians, compared with 25 per cent Australia-wide, who are in these lower tax brackets.

Further tax relief for brewers, distillers and wineries is also included in the budget.

Currently brewers and distillers get a full refund of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year. This will increase to $400,000.

The Government will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate from $350,000 to $400,000.

This is good news to the roughly 700 wineries in South Australia, the 80 breweries and the state’s rapidly growing distillery sector.

South Australia will also be particularly helped by guaranteed funding for public........

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