SA Disclosure Obligations for Public Contracts and Budget Forecasts

Public Finance Transparency Bill 2026

Opposition Bill

House of Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

Introduced by: Morgan Hurn (LIB)

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Premier must publish and lay before Parliament any public authority contract involving public funds within 6 sitting days of a written request from the Leader of the Opposition.
The Premier can redact contract details to protect trade secrets, commercial value, or public safety; they must provide a reason for redactions and give the full unredacted copy to the Auditor-General.
Redacted contracts must still disclose the parties involved; they must also show the total value, the contract term, and a general description of the subject matter.
Contract terms that try to stop or restrict these disclosures are void.
The Crown and other bodies have immunity from liability for disclosures made in good faith.
Agency statements in the state budget must include investment expenditure and cost estimates for public authorities for the current and next 3 financial years, including completion dates for ongoing projects.
The Treasurer must provide a 10-year economic outlook/forecast on budget day; this must include spending targets for health, education, police and child protection.
The Treasurer must publish monthly statements in the Gazette showing amounts credited to or issued from the Consolidated Account.
CEOs of public authorities must tell the Treasurer or Premier as soon as they know their agency has gone over its budgeted operating expenses.