Back-to-basics budget with billions for infrastructure
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new "bendy" buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
* $250 million to break the traffic pinch-point of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney, matched by $250 million from the federal government to expand the road from two to four lanes
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney
* $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free
HEALTH:
* Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500
* $83 million to bolster maternity care
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
* $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors
HOUSING:
* $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
INNOVATION AND BUSINESS:
* $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral
* A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Roads, schools, TAFEs and hospitals are the big-ticket items unveiled so far as part of a NSW budget focused on infrastructure investments.
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new "bendy" buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
* $250 million to break the traffic pinch-point of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney, matched by $250 million from the federal government to expand the road from two to four lanes
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney
* $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free
HEALTH:
* Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500
* $83 million to bolster maternity care
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
* $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors
HOUSING:
* $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
INNOVATION AND BUSINESS:
* $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral
* A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Roads, schools, TAFEs and hospitals are the big-ticket items unveiled so far as part of a NSW budget focused on infrastructure investments.
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new "bendy" buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
* $250 million to break the traffic pinch-point of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney, matched by $250 million from the federal government to expand the road from two to four lanes
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney
* $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free
HEALTH:
* Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500
* $83 million to bolster maternity care
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
* $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors
HOUSING:
* $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
INNOVATION AND BUSINESS:
* $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral
* A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Roads, schools, TAFEs and hospitals are the big-ticket items unveiled so far as part of a NSW budget focused on infrastructure investments.
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to buy 50 new "bendy" buses and $150 million for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
* $250 million to break the traffic pinch-point of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney, matched by $250 million from the federal government to expand the road from two to four lanes
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities, including three new public primary schools with attached public preschools in west and southwest Sydney
* $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free
HEALTH:
* Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500
* $83 million to bolster maternity care
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
* $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, including $50 million to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for more solicitors
HOUSING:
* $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
INNOVATION AND BUSINESS:
* $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral
* A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, housing wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects, for $115.5 million
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector, including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
City to host think tank with groups across nation to explore ways of tackling Aboriginal homelessness
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will later this year host a 'think tank' involving groups from across Australia to tackle the pressing issue of Aboriginal homelessness. This follows a city delegation putting the issue on the agenda during an annual national conference in Canberra last week. City representatives attended the 2025 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, where they advocated for stronger support for regional Australia. The assembly is the largest annual gathering of local government leaders in Australia, providing a national platform to influence Federal policy and advocate for community needs. Led by mayor Glenn Wilson, the city's delegation put forward three key motions, which Mr Wilson said were grounded in real challenges being felt not only in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but also across other communities in regional and remote Australia. 'When you're 600km from the nearest capital city, you face unique challenges, and it's important that decision-makers in Canberra understand that,' he said. The city's first motion called for a nationwide response to transitional Aboriginal homelessness, highlighting the growing number of people travelling from remote communities to regional cities such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder without access to safe temporary accommodation or support services. The motion was based on findings from the city's recent landmark report on transitional Aboriginal homelessness and antisocial behaviour, which brought together insights from more than 30 stakeholders across WA, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, including Aboriginal organisations, police, and community services. The report emphasised the need for culturally informed, community-led responses that reflected the realities of regional areas and supported Closing the Gap priorities. 'We're seeking to work with First Nations leaders to design fit-for-purpose solutions not just for housing, but for the support services that go hand-in-hand with it,' Mr Wilson said. 'Local governments are doing what we can, but we need national co-ordination and investment to make to ensure solutions are effective long-term.' To continue driving this national conversation, the city intends to work with stakeholders to deliver a 'think tank' later this year, bringing together representatives from across Australia to explore best-practice solutions. A second motion calls for a full review of the Modified Monash Model, which determines funding eligibility for health and aged-care professionals based on location. The city said Kalgoorlie-Boulder shared the same classification as coastal towns much closer to major cities, despite its remote location. 'The MMM was last updated in 2019. It is outdated and no longer fit-for-purpose. This motion is simply asking for fairness,' Mr Wilson said. 'A better model would help attract more doctors, nurses, and specialists to regional communities like ours, where we really need them, and in turn improve the availability of health services.' The third motion requested the Federal Government reduce red tape and provide better support for local governments trying to secure infrastructure funding, particularly for early planning and feasibility work. 'Most grants are set up for shovel-ready projects, but councils, especially regional cities like Kalgoorlie-Boulder, often can't afford to get to that stage without support,' Mr Wilson said. 'Planning for infrastructure can cost a significant amount of money, and we want to see more targeted funding and fewer hoops to jump through so that projects have a chance to get off the ground.'
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson backs in fossil fuel as part of transition to renewables
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has left the door open for a new gas-fired power station in WA to back up renewables, as the Government moves to shut down Synergy's coal-fired power stations by 2030. With the newly re-elected Cook Government moving ahead with a pre-election promise to shift to renewables in five short years, there is growing speculation a new gas-fired power station — either built by the private sector or Government — could also be on the cards to help power homes and businesses when solar, wind and batteries can't. 'Gas is going to be needed for security and reliability in the system going forward up to 2030 and beyond,' Ms Sanderson told The Sunday Times. 'We are not ruling anything in or out at this point. We are also monitoring emerging technologies. 'We are looking actively at what's available, including gas. 'But our focus is on increasing the amount of renewables in the system and delivering the transmission that is required to connect those renewables. 'Security and reliability and affordability are the key principles that we need to achieve, and that mix is renewable energy with gas a firming fuel.' Ms Sanderson is a political force within WA politics. She almost became Premier when Mark McGowan pulled the pin in 2023, but caucus eventually voted for Mr Cook as Mr McGowan's replacement. 'Caucus made the right decision,' she says. 'He (Roger Cook) has been an outstanding leader. He has taken us to a record election win and articulated a strong future for Western Australia.' Being thrust into the key portfolios of Energy and Decarbonisation, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE in a Cabinet reshuffle after the March election adds to an already impressive CV which also boasts being a former Health Minister. 'He (Mr Cook) has entrusted me with his two signature policies (move to renewables and Made in WA) and I'm really grateful for that trust,' Ms Sanderson said. 'I don't take it lightly. We have a strong working relationship, and a lot of trust between us.' She disputes suggestions she asked to be moved from the demanding health portfolio. 'I didn't ask to leave health,' she said. 'I said to the Premier that I would continue to be in health if that was what he chose, but that I would serve in any way that he wanted me to.' She admits though, she is 'sleeping better' since being shifted into Energy, Manufacturing, Skills and TAFE. 'It (health) is a portfolio that never leaves you,' she said. 'There is no portfolio that impacts people more — from the die they are born till their last breath. But that's also why its such a great job. 'While there are days that are incredibly challenging and difficult (in health) — particularly when you are meeting with parents who have had a really difficult time and are grieving — there are opportunities to make a real impact, and that's one of the great things about it.' Under Mr McGowan and former Energy Minister Bill Johnston, the Labor Government announced in 2022 plans to shut all Synergy-owned and operated coal-fired power stations and replace them with renewables. Under that plan, the Collie Power Station — supplying 340 megawatts of generation in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) that powers WA from Kalbarri to Albany and Kalgoorlie to the east — would shut in 2027. The Muja power station's C and D units — which, combined, currently supply the power grid with 654MW — will close by 2029-30. Removing 1000MW of coal-generated power from the grid — and uncertainty surrounding the future of the privately owned 434-megawatt Bluewater coal-fired power station — has WA Liberals questioning whether the 2030 renewables plan is achievable. 'The State Government's current energy plan simply won't work. It's underfunded and about to run out of time,' Opposition energy spokesman Steve Mr Thomas said. 'There is not enough generation, transmission or distribution capacity in the current Government plan to fulfil its first and primary obligation of providing enough affordable energy for homes and businesses. 'I have said repeatedly in recent years that the Labor Government's uncertain and incomplete plan for energy transition will fail if it is not underpinned by an additional 300 Megawatts of gas-fired generation.' But Ms Sanderson is adamant WA will be ready to be powered by renewables — and gas — by 2030. 'I've never been afraid of a challenge,' she said. 'But this is also a massive opportunity. This is not only an energy transition. It's an economic transition for Western Australia. 'This is the next LNG. This is the next turning point for our economy.' The Minister says, to date, $6.4 billion has been either spent or budgeted towards transmission and renewable energy projects, including batteries. Ms Sanderson said renewable energy already supplied an estimated 38 per cent of SWIS demand in 2024, compared to just 4 per cent in 2009. Figures supplied by Ms Sanderson's office show renewable energy projects mooted for WA from 2025-2030 would supply the State with an additional 9850MW of power — if they all come to fruition. 'We have demonstrated since 2022, that as we are transitioning the system, that we have managed to do that in a sensible and planned transition,' she said. 'We have got both hands on the wheel, and we are managing the projects that are coming into the system to provide that generation. 'The Independent Market Operator has indicated that we have significant battery storage on the system, that we've got a good pipeline of renewable energy generation coming into the system. 'We are doing everything we can to ensure that we maintain energy reliability and security, whilst meeting the growing demand of industry and residents. 'We don't just want to keep the lights on. We want to make sure that industry is able to decarbonise as well, within the SWIS.' Despite the move to renewables, the WA Government has yet to legislate a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Ms Sanderson said work was being undertaken 'to set a credible pathway to net zero by 2050'. 'As the Commonwealth regulates greenhouse gas emissions, the State Government is reviewing the legislation that was introduced in the last term and working through levers available to set a credible pathway to net zero by 2050,' she said. Although Roger Cook is adamant he will contest the next election as Premier, within political circles there is speculation he will pull the pin before the 2029 poll. Ms Sanderson and Treasurer and deputy leader Rita Saffioti are seen as the two main contenders for the top job. Ms Sanderson dispute suggestions she and Ms Saffioti are political enemies. 'I like working with Rita and I really respect her. I've enjoyed working with Rita, particularly over the last few months in this portfolio,' Ms Sanderson said. 'She is an excellent Treasurer, and she's got a really ambitious manufacturing program in transport, and we will be working really closely together to deliver on the Premier's priorities.' Asked whether she still harbours premiership ambitions, Ms Sanderson said: 'I want Roger to be (a long-term) Premier.'
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Housing, TAFE, arts budget boosts as state growth slows
THE FIGURES NSW state economy - $880 billion Growth in 2025/26 - 1.75 per cent (stable) Revenue - $124.2b (up 5.1 per cent) Expenses - $127.6b (up 3.0) Budget result - $3.4b deficit Gross debt - $178.8 billion Unemployment rate - 4.25 per cent (up from 4.0 per cent) BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS HOUSING * An Australian-first $1 billion pre-sale fund to help get 15,000 low- and medium-density homes off the ground * $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds * $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services * Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date COMMUNITIES * $1.2 billion on child protection, including substantial boost for foster carer allowances * $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails * Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks * $25.8 million to support community sport * $6 million for animal rehoming organisations ARTS * Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney * $280.6 million in rebates for the screen and digital games sector * $40.6 million for 24-hour Commissioner and Sound NSW TRANSPORT: * $452 million to increase bus services, including 50 new "bendy" buses and more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas * Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport and $250 million to finish the widening of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney. * Major road upgrades in Dapto and Queanbeyan and repairs in flood-affected Hunter and Northern Rivers EDUCATION: * $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities * $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free HEALTH: * Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE * A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles * $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500 * $83 million to bolster maternity care ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS * $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs LAW AND ORDER: * $125.8 million for cybersecurity and hardware upgrades to NSW Police * $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling * About $100 million to upgrade the state's busiest courthouse and employ more prosecutors, solicitors and witness assistance officers INNOVATION AND BUSINESS: * $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral * A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects THE FIGURES NSW state economy - $880 billion Growth in 2025/26 - 1.75 per cent (stable) Revenue - $124.2b (up 5.1 per cent) Expenses - $127.6b (up 3.0) Budget result - $3.4b deficit Gross debt - $178.8 billion Unemployment rate - 4.25 per cent (up from 4.0 per cent) BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS HOUSING * An Australian-first $1 billion pre-sale fund to help get 15,000 low- and medium-density homes off the ground * $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds * $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services * Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date COMMUNITIES * $1.2 billion on child protection, including substantial boost for foster carer allowances * $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails * Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks * $25.8 million to support community sport * $6 million for animal rehoming organisations ARTS * Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney * $280.6 million in rebates for the screen and digital games sector * $40.6 million for 24-hour Commissioner and Sound NSW TRANSPORT: * $452 million to increase bus services, including 50 new "bendy" buses and more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas * Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport and $250 million to finish the widening of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney. * Major road upgrades in Dapto and Queanbeyan and repairs in flood-affected Hunter and Northern Rivers EDUCATION: * $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities * $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free HEALTH: * Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE * A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles * $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500 * $83 million to bolster maternity care ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS * $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs LAW AND ORDER: * $125.8 million for cybersecurity and hardware upgrades to NSW Police * $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling * About $100 million to upgrade the state's busiest courthouse and employ more prosecutors, solicitors and witness assistance officers INNOVATION AND BUSINESS: * $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral * A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects THE FIGURES NSW state economy - $880 billion Growth in 2025/26 - 1.75 per cent (stable) Revenue - $124.2b (up 5.1 per cent) Expenses - $127.6b (up 3.0) Budget result - $3.4b deficit Gross debt - $178.8 billion Unemployment rate - 4.25 per cent (up from 4.0 per cent) BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS HOUSING * An Australian-first $1 billion pre-sale fund to help get 15,000 low- and medium-density homes off the ground * $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds * $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services * Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date COMMUNITIES * $1.2 billion on child protection, including substantial boost for foster carer allowances * $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails * Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks * $25.8 million to support community sport * $6 million for animal rehoming organisations ARTS * Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney * $280.6 million in rebates for the screen and digital games sector * $40.6 million for 24-hour Commissioner and Sound NSW TRANSPORT: * $452 million to increase bus services, including 50 new "bendy" buses and more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas * Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport and $250 million to finish the widening of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney. * Major road upgrades in Dapto and Queanbeyan and repairs in flood-affected Hunter and Northern Rivers EDUCATION: * $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities * $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free HEALTH: * Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE * A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles * $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500 * $83 million to bolster maternity care ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS * $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs LAW AND ORDER: * $125.8 million for cybersecurity and hardware upgrades to NSW Police * $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling * About $100 million to upgrade the state's busiest courthouse and employ more prosecutors, solicitors and witness assistance officers INNOVATION AND BUSINESS: * $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral * A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects THE FIGURES NSW state economy - $880 billion Growth in 2025/26 - 1.75 per cent (stable) Revenue - $124.2b (up 5.1 per cent) Expenses - $127.6b (up 3.0) Budget result - $3.4b deficit Gross debt - $178.8 billion Unemployment rate - 4.25 per cent (up from 4.0 per cent) BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS HOUSING * An Australian-first $1 billion pre-sale fund to help get 15,000 low- and medium-density homes off the ground * $145 million across four years for the state's Building Commission to hire more prosecutors, investigators and inspectors to weed out dodgy residential builds * $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services * Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date COMMUNITIES * $1.2 billion on child protection, including substantial boost for foster carer allowances * $110 million to maintain public spaces, including the repair of heritage-listed Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails * Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks * $25.8 million to support community sport * $6 million for animal rehoming organisations ARTS * Establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney * $280.6 million in rebates for the screen and digital games sector * $40.6 million for 24-hour Commissioner and Sound NSW TRANSPORT: * $452 million to increase bus services, including 50 new "bendy" buses and more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas * Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport and $250 million to finish the widening of Mona Vale Rd, a critical artery in north Sydney. * Major road upgrades in Dapto and Queanbeyan and repairs in flood-affected Hunter and Northern Rivers EDUCATION: * $9 billion across four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused on growing suburban communities * $3.4 billion towards TAFE and upskilling, including $40 million to enable 23,000 construction students to complete their apprenticeships for free HEALTH: * Another $700 million towards construction of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital and relocation of Bankstown TAFE * A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, with the $492 million investment to include an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens such as Ebola and measles * $23 million to cut down the overdue surgery list by 3500 * $83 million to bolster maternity care ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS * $202 million for Closing the Gap projects, including $23 million towards community-led suicide prevention programs LAW AND ORDER: * $125.8 million for cybersecurity and hardware upgrades to NSW Police * $227 million across five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling * About $100 million to upgrade the state's busiest courthouse and employ more prosecutors, solicitors and witness assistance officers INNOVATION AND BUSINESS: * $80 million in innovation funding, including $38.5 million to boost technology hub TechCentral * A four-person Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track planning approvals for billion-dollar projects
