Budget papers are notoriously long and dare I say it, dead boring documents for most people to read through. BUT, they also contain key information for organisations and businesses, particularly when it comes to getting a sense of what strategic direction the Government is taking with funding and grant programs.
Instead of reading through the Budget Papers line-by-line, I decided to put some of my favourite AI tools to the test and see what they could produce. Summarising Budget Papers is a great AI test-case, as it's direct text and numbers analysis.
If you're interested in the process I used, I started with Perplexity's new deep research tool, giving it Budget Paper No. 1, and then adding the additional papers. Perplexity struggled to get unstuck from focusing on Paper No. 1; as Paper No. 1 is not the most important document when it comes to analysing grant and funding initiatives, it wasn't very helpful. Perplexity was also not apolitical (i.e. it wasn't neutral), which is the stance we take at The Grants Hub. On a positive, it did provide this somewhat helpful "Key Areas for Potential Funding Opportunities" summary:
"Based on the budget priorities, grant seekers should look for opportunities in:
- Economic Recovery Initiatives: Programmes supporting broad-based economic growth and private demand recovery
- Labour Market and Skills Development: With better-than-expected unemployment figures, there may be a focus on workforce participation and skills programmes
- Structural Reforms: Significant changes in funding models for the NDIS and aged care sectors are indicated
- Climate and Energy: The budget mentions fiscal impacts of the net zero transformation, suggesting potential funding in this area
Claude's 3.5 Haiku didn't like the length of the Budget Papers - at 357 pages in Paper No. 1 alone, I don't blame it. Claude's 3.7 Sonnet also found the Paper too long, but to be fair, Sonnet was having a hard day and had imposed limits due to its overall popularity.
So I headed to the latest tool I've been testing, which is Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental 01-21. You get over 1 million tokens upfront with Gemini, which in layman's terms means it can accept, read and analyse A LOT of data. It proved to be the tool I needed for the Budget analysis.
The prompt? "Analyse these Australian budget papers. Look for anything related to grants or funding, particularly programs with open, open competitive, restricted, or invitation-only funding programs. Write a summary that I can share with our grants network via our blog. They will be interested in new or expanded funding programs, but also any funding initiatives that will be stopped."
You can read the full response below. It's long, so I gave it a second prompt: "Give me a second version, which is 250-500 words max."
So we now have both a short summary, and also full summary of the Australian Federal Budget 2025 from a grants and funding perspective below.
These summaries won't be perfect, but they also meant I didn't need to spend hours of my life locked down reading hundreds of pages, for something which is not part of our core business, i.e. blogging is an extra.
They also meant that I learned the Government is supporting the giant pandas at the Adelaide Zoo...it's the important facts in life that make a budget interesting reading 😉
Working smarter, not harder, can absolutely be the way to go if you want any level of work-life balance. AI tools/integrations are also the direction grants are taking, so testing AI tools with something that's not a make-or-break grant application for your organisation is 100% something I would encourage you to do.
Jessie
P.S. Full Budget Papers can be found on the Government's Budget 2025-26 website.
Australian Federal Budget 2025-26: Key Grants & Funding Initiatives (summarised version)
Generated by Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental 01-21 from the full version of the Budget Summary below.
The Australian Federal Budget 2025-26 allocates significant funding across key priority areas, creating potential grant opportunities for organisations. Key themes include cost of living relief, strengthening Medicare and health services, boosting housing affordability and supply, investing in future industries under the ‘Future Made in Australia’ agenda, and continued commitment to Closing the Gap for First Nations people.
Expanded Funding Programme Examples (Payment Measures):
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: The Budget allocates $45.2 million to Agricultural Priorities, covering trade event sponsorship, feral animal management, agricultural export support, and a National Food Security Strategy.
Attorney-General’s Portfolio: Substantial resourcing is provided to the Attorney-General’s Portfolio ($194.5 million), including initiatives for the Office of the Special Investigator, ACIC, AFP, AGD, and OAIC. The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse receives continued funding ($21.2 million), as does Strengthening Justice System Response to Sexual Violence ($21.4 million).
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Focus areas include environmental protection with significant funding for Protecting Our Environment ($212.0 million), and investment in clean energy through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation ($2.0 billion). Specific environmental support includes Additional Support for the Maugean Skate ($3.0 million) and the National Water Grid Fund ($87.7 million).
Cross Portfolio: The Closing the Gap initiative receives substantial further investment ($506.4 million) across diverse areas like infrastructure, health, employment, and community services, presenting a wide range of potential grant opportunities for First Nations-led organisations and initiatives. The Illicit Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement Package ($156.7 million) may also include funding for community-based engagement.
Defence Portfolio: Significant defence spending continues, including Continued Defence Support to Ukraine ($17.0 million), and further investment in Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in Australia ($24.2 million). Veteran support programmes are also extended ($11.9 million).
Education Portfolio: Building Australia’s Future – Improving Outcomes in Australian Schools receives substantial funding, alongside specific initiatives for Early Childhood Education and Care Reforms ($11.5 million) and the Establishment of Additional University Study Hubs.
Employment and Workplace Relations Portfolio: Increased Support for Apprentices ($722.8 million) is a major focus, alongside Addressing Integrity Risks ($6.0 million) in the VET sector and Workforce Australia.
Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio: The Budget strengthens international ties through support for Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv ($36.0 million), Boosting Australia’s Economic Ties with India ($20.0 million), and Support for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Expansion ($164.6 million). Funding also continues for Supporting the Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo ($3.8 million).
Health and Aged Care Portfolio: Strengthening Medicare is a key theme with significant investments across various areas ($8.4 billion), including Expanding Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and Strengthening Medicare – Health Workforce. Other health priorities include Digital Mental Health ($46.0 million), Improving Access to Medicines and Pharmacy Programs ($539.4 million), and Medical Research and Clinical Trials ($158.6 million). Funding is also provided for Funding Pay Increases for Aged Care Workers – nurses ($88.3 million) and Implementation of Aged Care Reforms ($291.6 million).
Home Affairs Portfolio: Disaster Support ($28.8 million) and Supporting Border Security ($84.5 million) are key areas within Home Affairs, alongside Supporting Social Cohesion ($178.4 million) through multicultural community grants.
Industry, Science and Resources Portfolio: Building Australia’s Future – Support for Australian Made Metals ($3.2 billion) and Investing in the Future of Science are priorities, alongside Northern Endeavour Decommissioning (amount nfp).
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Portfolio: Building a Better Future Through Considered Infrastructure Investment ($17.1 billion) and Building Australia’s Future – Completing the NBN Fibre Upgrades are major investments, with continued funding for the Regional Australia Institute ($2.0 million) and Extending the School Student Broadband Initiative ($5.3 million). The Revive – National Cultural Policy ($8.6 million) and Supporting Transport Priorities ($49.6 million) also receive funding.
Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio: The Buy Australian Campaign ($20.0 million) and National Australia Day Council ($10.0 million) receive funding, alongside significant investment in Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment ($842.6 million).
Social Services Portfolio: Strengthening the National Disability Insurance Scheme ($175.4 million) and Additional Support for the Housing Services Sector ($8.9 million) are key priorities.
Treasury Portfolio: Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension ($1.8 billion) and Housing Support ($58.8 million) are significant funding measures.
Stopped/Reduced Funding Initiatives (Savings):
The budget also outlines savings through reduced or redirected funding in areas like Climate Change, Education, Employment, Health, Aged Care, and External Labour. These savings generally involve re-prioritisation of existing funds or efficiency measures.
Important Notes:
- Consult Full Budget Papers: This is a summary. Consult Budget Paper No. 2 and Budget Paper No. 4 for complete details.
- Funding Types: Programme types (open, competitive, etc.) are not specified at this summary level.
Australian Federal Budget 2025-26: Key Grants & Funding Initiatives (full version)
Generated by Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental 01-21 from Budget Paper No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 & Women's Budget Statement.
This summary highlights potential opportunities for grant seekers based on the Australian Federal Budget 2025-26, primarily drawing from Budget Paper No. 2: Budget Measures. This budget emphasies investments in key priority areas, with numerous programs continuing, expanding, or being newly introduced.
Key Themes & Focus Areas:
Cost of Living Relief: While primarily focused on direct relief measures like tax cuts and energy rebates, some initiatives within social services and community support may offer grant opportunities for organizations assisting vulnerable populations.
Stronger Medicare & Health: Significant investments are being made in health, including expanding Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, strengthening Medicare, and improving access to medicines. This suggests potential future grant opportunities in health service delivery and innovation.
Housing Affordability & Supply: The budget includes measures to increase housing supply, including support for prefabricated and modular housing. While direct grants to individuals are highlighted (Help to Buy), there might be related funding programs for organizations involved in housing services.
Building a Future Made in Australia: Investments in industry, science, and resources, particularly in Australian-made metals and future science, are prioritized. This could signal future grant opportunities for research, development, and commercialization in these sectors.
Closing the Gap: The budget continues significant investments in Closing the Gap initiatives across various portfolios, indicating ongoing funding for programs supporting First Nations communities.
New or Expanded Funding Programs (Payment Measures):
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Portfolio:
Agricultural Priorities: $45.2 million over three years to support priorities in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio, including sponsoring agricultural trade events, reducing feral animal burden, supporting agricultural export functions, and developing a National Food Security Strategy.
Attorney-General’s Portfolio:
Attorney-General’s Portfolio – additional resourcing: Significant funding ($194.5 million over five years) to various agencies within the portfolio, including the Office of the Special Investigator, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Federal Police, Attorney‑General’s Department (AGD), and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). While broadly described as "resourcing," some elements might involve grants or funding for specific initiatives within these agencies.
National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse – continuation: $21.2 million in 2025–26 to continue initiatives under this strategy, distributed across multiple agencies.
Strengthening Justice System Response to Sexual Violence: $21.4 million over three years to improve victim and survivor engagement in the justice system, including extending specialist trauma-informed sexual assault legal services pilots and research into systemic issues.
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Portfolio:
Additional Support for the Maugean Skate: $3.0 million over three years for the Maugean skate captive breeding program.
National Water Grid Fund – responsible investment in water infrastructure: $87.7 million over three years for new water infrastructure projects, including the Cairns Water Security Project.
Protecting Australia’s Iconic National Parks – continuing delivery: $55.2 million over four years to renew lease arrangements with Traditional Owners of jointly managed National Parks.
Protecting Our Environment: $212.0 million over four years (and additional $50.0 million in 2029–30) to protect Australia’s natural environment, including the Saving Australia’s Bushland program and increased ocean protection efforts.
Strengthening the Clean Energy Finance Corporation: $2.0 billion to recapitalise the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low emissions technologies.
Cross Portfolio:
Closing the Gap – further investments: Significant further investments ($506.4 million over five years) to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This includes funding for Community Development Program transition, Indigenous Business Australia’s Home Loan Capital Fund, remote stores access to low-cost products, Major Infrastructure Programme (Stage 7), Clontarf Foundation program, Seawalls Program (Stage 3), First Nations health care workforce scholarships, Indigenous Procurement Policy strengthening, family violence services, nutrition workforce, community laundries, First Nations Languages Policy Partnership program, rheumatic fever and heart disease management, Partnership Agreement in Port Augusta, Coalition of Peaks secretariat function support, Central Australia Plan coordination, and digitisation of First Nations audio and video collections.
Illicit Tobacco Compliance and Enforcement Package: $156.7 million over two years to strengthen enforcement and compliance related to illicit tobacco and nicotine products. (While enforcement-focused, some aspects might involve community-based initiatives).
Defence Portfolio:
Continued Defence Support to Ukraine: $17.0 million over two years for continued support to the Government of Ukraine.
Continuing to Support Veterans and their Families: $11.9 million in 2025–26 to continue support, including extending the Defence Kids Program, Invictus Australia grant funding, Veterans’ Chaplaincy Pilot Program, Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program, and Volunteer Training in Suicide Recognition and Intervention program.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs – additional resourcing: $47.6 million in 2025–26 for additional resourcing to support service delivery to veterans.
Investing in Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in Australia – further investment: $24.2 million over two years for industrial initiatives to support naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Program – continuation of whole‑of‑government support: $61.7 million in 2025–26 for continued support of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program across various government departments.
Education Portfolio:
Building Australia’s Future – Improving Outcomes in Australian Schools: $407.5 million over four years (and significantly more long-term) to jurisdictions signing Better and Fairer Schools Agreements.
Establishment of Additional University Study Hubs: Funding to establish additional University Study Hubs beyond the previously committed hubs.
Building Australia’s Future – Early Childhood Education and Care Reforms: $11.5 million over four years to support early childhood education and care, including system changes for the Child Care Subsidy 3 Day Guarantee, and extensions to Australian Academy of Science STEM programs and the Let’s Count program.
Employment and Workplace Relations Portfolio:
Addressing Integrity Risks: $6.0 million over four years to address integrity issues and support retrenched workers, including additional resourcing for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and support for retrenched Workforce Australia workers.
Building Australia’s Future – Increased Support for Apprentices: $722.8 million over four years to increase support for apprentices, reframing the New Energy Apprenticeships Program into the Key Apprenticeship Program, extending the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System, increasing the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support subsidy, and increasing the Living Away From Home Allowance.
Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio:
Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv: $36.0 million over five years (and ongoing) for the Australian Embassy in Kyiv.
Boosting Australia’s Economic Ties with India: $20.0 million over four years to increase economic engagement with India, including establishing an Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund and extending the Maitri Grants Program.
Support for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Expansion: $164.6 million over four years to support growth in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Supporting the Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo: $3.8 million over five years (and ongoing) to support the Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo.
Health and Aged Care Portfolio:
Critical Health Infrastructure and Systems: $22.9 million over five years to secure critical health infrastructure and systems, including addressing intravenous (IV) fluids shortages and replacing Cobalt-60 teletherapy source.
Digital Mental Health: $46.0 million over four years to continue digital mental health services.
Funding Pay Increases for Aged Care Workers – nurses: $88.3 million over five years (and ongoing) to fund the outcome of the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase aged care worker wages.
Implementation of Aged Care Reforms: $291.6 million over five years (and ongoing) to continue aged care reforms and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Improving Access to Medicines and Pharmacy Programs: $539.4 million over five years (and ongoing) to improve access to medicines and expand pharmacy services.
Medical Research and Clinical Trials: $158.6 million over five years to support medical research and clinical trials, including expanding the Zero Childhood Cancer Precision Oncology Medicine Program (ZERO).
National Health Reform Agreement – 2025‑26 Uplift: $33.9 billion in 2025–26 to extend the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA).
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) New and Amended Listings: $1.8 billion over five years for new and amended listings on the PBS.
Preventive Health, Wellbeing and Sport: $132.0 million in 2025–26 to improve health outcomes through preventive health initiatives, including extending Public Dental Services for Adults funding and supporting the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre.
Strengthening Medicare: Significant funding ($8.4 billion over five years) to strengthen Medicare, including expanding bulk billing incentives and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Supporting Australian Communities Affected by the Hamas‑Israel Conflict: $1.5 million over two years to provide mental health support services.
Home Affairs Portfolio:
Disaster Support: $28.8 million over two years to improve disaster resilience and preparedness, including for the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Program.
Supporting Border Security: $84.5 million over four years to support border security, including addressing border and biosecurity threats.
Supporting Community Safety: Funding to support resettlement in Nauru of non-citizens released from immigration detention (amount nfp).
Supporting Social Cohesion: $178.4 million over five years to support social cohesion, including projects under the Critical Support for Multicultural Communities Grant Program.
Industry, Science and Resources Portfolio:
Building Australia’s Future – Support for Australian Made Metals: $3.2 billion over 19 years to invest in the future of Australia’s metals industry, including Green Aluminium Production Credits and Green Iron Investment Fund.
Investing in the Future of Science: Funding to boost Australia’s capability and capacity in science, including extending the STEM Professionals in Schools program and National Lending Library.
Northern Endeavour Decommissioning: Funding over two years to continue decommissioning activities (amount nfp).
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Portfolio:
Building a Better Future Through Considered Infrastructure Investment: $17.1 billion over ten years for road and rail infrastructure, including safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway and upgrades to Sunshine Station and the Road Blitz in Victoria.
Building Australia’s Future – Completing the NBN Fibre Upgrades: Equity investment of up to $3.0 billion over seven years to NBN Co to upgrade the remaining fibre-to-the-node network.
Continued Funding for the Regional Australia Institute: $2.0 million in 2025–26 for the Regional Australia Institute.
Extend the School Student Broadband Initiative until 2028: $5.3 million over four years to continue free broadband for unconnected families.
Revive – National Cultural Policy: $8.6 million in 2025–26 to extend the Revive Live program to support Australian live music venues and festivals.
Supporting Transport Priorities: $49.6 million over five years to support transport priorities, including ongoing safety and regulatory services and a maritime internship program.
Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio:
Buy Australian Campaign: $20.0 million in 2025–26 to encourage consumers to buy Australian-made products.
National Australia Day Council – additional resourcing: $10.0 million in 2025–26 for the National Australia Day Council.
Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment – future arrangements: $842.6 million over six years for a National Partnership on Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment.
Prime Minister and Cabinet – additional resourcing: Additional resourcing for various areas within the portfolio, including response to the Independent Intelligence Review, APS Academy Campuses in regional Australia, and support for Government priorities (amount nfp).
Social Services Portfolio:
Additional Support for the Housing Services Sector: $8.9 million over three years to improve and expand support services for vulnerable Australians in housing insecurity and family violence.
Strengthening the National Disability Insurance Scheme: $175.4 million over four years (and ongoing) to safeguard the integrity of the NDIS.
Support for People with Disability: $423.8 million over five years (and ongoing) to support inclusion and build capacity for people with disability, redesigning the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building program, and delivering the National Autism Strategy.
Treasury Portfolio:
Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension: $1.8 billion over two years to continue energy bill rebates for eligible households and small businesses.
Housing Support: $58.8 million over five years to increase housing support, including prefabricated and modular housing construction and extending the Regional Home Guarantee and Family Home Guarantee.
International Assistance: Loan of $570 million to the Government of Papua New Guinea and additional $0.8 million to continue technical support.
National Anti‑Scam Centre: $6.7 million in 2025–26 to extend the operation of the National Anti-Scam Centre.
Small Business and Franchisee Support and Protection: $12.0 million over four years to support small businesses, including strengthening the Franchising Code of Conduct and establishing a Social Enterprise Loan Fund.
Treasury Portfolio – additional resourcing: Additional resourcing for various areas within the Treasury Portfolio (amount nfp).
Stopped/Reduced Funding Initiatives (Savings):
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – savings: Savings of $100.3 million over four years by redirecting funding across the portfolio, including partial reversal of funding for Hydrogen Highways, Technology Investment Roadmap, and JobMaker Plan – liquid fuel stocks.
Education – savings: Savings of $3.0 million over two years by reallocating funding from the International Education Support program.
Employment and Workplace Relations – savings: Savings of $7.9 million in 2028–29 by reducing uncommitted funding for the Industry Workforce Training program (these savings are redirected to Addressing Integrity Risks measure).
Health – savings: Savings of $3.8 million over two years by deferring changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for intravitreal eye injection item.
Implementation of Aged Care Reforms – savings: Savings of $21.2 million over three years by not proceeding with part of the 2022–23 March Budget measure titled Ageing and Aged Care.
Cross Portfolio - Savings from External Labour – further extension: Savings of $718.8 million in 2028–29 by further reducing spending on consultants, contractors, and labour hire.
Funding Program Types:
The budget papers do not explicitly classify programs by funding type (open, competitive, etc.) at this summary level. More detailed information on specific programs would be needed to determine the application process and eligibility criteria.
Decisions Taken But Not Yet Announced (nfp):
Several measures are listed as "Decisions taken but not yet announced and not for publication (nfp)." These represent potential future funding announcements once details are finalized. Keep an eye out for further information on these areas.
Important Notes:
- Focus on Budget Paper No. 2: This summary primarily focuses on Budget Paper No. 2, which is the main source of information on budget measures. Budget Paper No. 4 (Agency Resourcing) might provide additional detail on funding allocations to specific agencies, which could be explored further.
- Cash vs. Accrual: Be aware that the budget measures are presented on a cash basis.
- Rounding: Figures may not add up precisely due to rounding.
- nfp (not for publication): Many amounts are listed as "nfp," meaning details are not publicly available and further information would be needed from the relevant agencies.
- Further Research: For complete information and to determine specific grant opportunities, it's essential to consult the full budget papers on the official budget website and to monitor departmental websites and grant portals for announcements related to these measures.