Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lucy Bladen

ACT retains top credit rating post-lockdown - but there's a warning

The ACT has been able to retain its esteemed AAA credit rating, even in light of the recent two-month lockdown.

Ratings agency Standard & Poors on Monday reaffirmed the ACT's rating.

However, the agency said there was a negative outlook.

There was at least a one-in-three chance the ACT would underperform S&P's forecasts, which suggests the ACT's cash operating balance could revert to a small surplus in coming years.

"ACT's economic fundamentals remain very strong, despite a sharp contraction in the third quarter of 2021," S&P said.

"ACT has a very high-income economy, reflecting its location as home of the Commonwealth government and the Australian Public Service."

The ACT was the only Australian jurisdiction to retain this rating.

However, the Commonwealth government also has the prestigious rating. Should the Commonwealth lose this the territory would also lose its AAA rating.

MORE A.C.T. POLITICS NEWS:

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the rating was due to strong economic management.

"The decision from the credit rating agency recognises the ACT's strong economic management and recovery plans during one of the biggest economic shocks in our city's history," Mr Barr said.

"We injected much-needed support into our economy to protect jobs, support our most vulnerable and invest in a pipeline of sustainable city-shaping infrastructure."

The ACT's recent lockdown contributed to a near-$1 billion deficit in the territory's budget. The budget forecast the deficit would remain until at least the 2024-2025 financial year.

Mr Barr has previously said the ACT's economic recovery would be underpinned by a surge in consumer spending over the Christmas and summer period.

The ACT has been able to retain its S&P AAA credit rating. Picture: Shutterstock
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.