The winners and losers of NSW Budget 2025

Sky News AU

5 days ago

Foster carers and children are among the winners in this year's NSW state budget, as the government allocates historic funding to the child protection system.
The state has reported a $3.4 billion budget deficit in the 2025-26 financial year, down from a $10.7 billion deficit inherited in 2023-24.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says the government is on track to record a $1.1 billion budget surplus by 2027-28.
Here are the winners and losers. WINNERS
Children and Foster Carers
A $1.2 billion Child Protection Package has been unveiled to support more than 17,000 children in the foster care system.
The package includes: $797.6 million to support children and young people in out-of-home care.
$143.9 million in increased Foster Care Allowance from January 1.
$49.2 million for 44 government owned residential care homes.
$10 million to support the Office of the Children's Guardian.
$191.5 million for 200 new caseworkers and retain 2,126 caseworkers.
Treasurer Mookhey says it is the largest investment in child protection in NSW history.
Developers and Homebuyers
The government will introduce a $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee to accelerate the delivery of residential developments.
The five year plan will remove financial barriers for developers and will be invested in residential development project packages for medium to high density houses.
Treasurer Mookhey says the "nation leading" reform would put more supply in the system, in the hope of getting more people into homes and driving down costs.
Emergency Services
The Budget will be delivering $4.2 billion for disaster relief and emergency services.
It will include: $42.2 million for 52 staff at a new 24-hour Badgerys Creek Fire Station.
$34.4 million for Rural Fire Service.
$17 million to renew Fire and Rescue fire-fighting fleet.
$50 million to upgrade police ICT systems.
$46.3 million for a new offshore patrol vessel.
$87.7 million to strengthen Cyber Security NSW.
$154.5 million to help communities recover from Cyclone Alfred.
Western Sydney
The state government will continue its infrastructure push in Western Sydney, with funding allocated to boost transport and health.
Aerotropolis The state government is investing $835 million in infrastructure around the new Western Sydney airport and the Aerotropolis.
The state and federal government will jointly commit $1 billion to upgrade the first stage of Fifteenth Avenue.
Hospitals A further $700 million will be invested for the Bankstown Hospital (bringing total investment to $2 billion).
$492 million for a new Pathology Hub at Westmead.
$836.4 million for health services and hospital expansions.
Public sector workers
More than 90,000 public sector workers are set to receive pay increases which will cost the government more than $2 billion. This includes corrections officers, transport workers, school assistants and other essential workers.
Public school and TAFE teachers will also benefit from a multi-year pay increase and increased job security, with over 3,000 casual staff to be offered permanent roles.
Renewable Energy
$2.1 billion injected into the state's five Renewable Energy Zones.
Justice system
A $49.4 million will be invested for a new hub to support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and $34.5 million will be spent to upgrade major courts in NSW, facilitating 15 new courtrooms for victims and their families.
$100 million will be spent on increasing the capacity of the prison system and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will receive $48.3 million in funding.
Creative Industries
The arts and tourism sector will receive a $586 million funding to support culture and night-time entertainment.
The $586 million package includes: $280.6 million for Screen NSW.
$100 million in funding to locate a new screen production space.
$135 million for Destination NSW marketing and tourism initiatives. LOSERS
Drivers
The government has not yet committed to extending the $60 a week toll cap, which is due to expire in January 2026.
The toll relief scheme has so far saved motorists $139 million in claims since January 2024.
The state has set aside $15.4 million to spearhead toll reform, which hopes to deliver relief in the long run.
Average Households
There are no new major cost-of-living measures for average households in this budget.
However, the National Energy Bill Relief Fund will be extended, offering $150 in energy bill relief to households and eligible small businesses from July to December 2025.
Tax Dodgers
The state government has extended funding for Revenue NSW's tax integrity program to crack down on tax dodgers. The program will continue beyond the 2025-26 financial year.
Public sector workers
A pay deal has been reached for some public workers including doctors, nurses and psychiatrists.
Golfers
The NSW government plans to reclaim part of Moore Park Golf Course to create a 20-hectare public park.
$50 million will be spent on transforming part of Moore Park South into a public area, which will include facilities for public sport and recreational use.