Latest news with #ClosingtheGap
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- 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.'
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
New approach needed to fulfil closing the gap promise
Governments are being urged to rethink their approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if they are serious about closing the gap. While the Closing the Gap framework is sound, its implementation has been inhibited by inaction, an independent, Indigenous-led review found. The framework has been agreed to all Australian governments and is designed to address First Nations inequity. The report authors engaged with more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across Australia for the review, said University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes. "The feedback we got overwhelmingly through the process from Indigenous people was that we all shook hands, all levels of government agreed to this framework and we're not stepping away from it," Professor Coombes told AAP. "However, if it's going to fulfil its promise, the government needs to work differently with us." The review found imbalance of responsibilities and resourcing was impeding implementation, with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations doing the "heavy lifting" while being under-resourced. But the absence of appropriate communication and education about Closing the Gap efforts had led to community negativity about progress on the targets, the report said. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council deputy chief executive David Harmer said too often there was "lip service" paid to the targets. "We spend a lot of time dutifully reporting to government about the work that we've been doing ... but that's not translating to practical action on the ground that people recognise as the benefit of the Closing the Gap agreement" he said. Mr Harmer urged the government in his state to work more closely with Indigenous organisations, saying there's a need for renewed commitment to getting the relationship right. "Governments arrive with an idea of what they want to deliver, 'consult' about it and then deliver the thing they'd already thought they were going to do," he said. "That can't continue if we're going to change things dramatically." Closing the Gap data, released by the Productivity Commission in March, showed just four of the 19 national targets are on track to be met, while another six have shown improvement. The review was commissioned by the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Indigenous peak bodies across Australia. Acting lead convener Scott Wilson said when governments and community organisations worked in genuine partnership, there were tangible outcomes. "When we all come together and when everyone's on the same page and we're driving change, whether it's with community organisations or with a state or federal government you do have good outcomes and you do have change," he said. Prof Coombes said governments should "take heart" in the review, despite its criticisms, as it was an opportunity for change. "If the government read this report, considers the recommendations and starts self-reflecting on how they work and how they engage with Indigenous people, there's a really good opportunity to do things differently and better," he said. Governments are being urged to rethink their approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if they are serious about closing the gap. While the Closing the Gap framework is sound, its implementation has been inhibited by inaction, an independent, Indigenous-led review found. The framework has been agreed to all Australian governments and is designed to address First Nations inequity. The report authors engaged with more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across Australia for the review, said University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes. "The feedback we got overwhelmingly through the process from Indigenous people was that we all shook hands, all levels of government agreed to this framework and we're not stepping away from it," Professor Coombes told AAP. "However, if it's going to fulfil its promise, the government needs to work differently with us." The review found imbalance of responsibilities and resourcing was impeding implementation, with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations doing the "heavy lifting" while being under-resourced. But the absence of appropriate communication and education about Closing the Gap efforts had led to community negativity about progress on the targets, the report said. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council deputy chief executive David Harmer said too often there was "lip service" paid to the targets. "We spend a lot of time dutifully reporting to government about the work that we've been doing ... but that's not translating to practical action on the ground that people recognise as the benefit of the Closing the Gap agreement" he said. Mr Harmer urged the government in his state to work more closely with Indigenous organisations, saying there's a need for renewed commitment to getting the relationship right. "Governments arrive with an idea of what they want to deliver, 'consult' about it and then deliver the thing they'd already thought they were going to do," he said. "That can't continue if we're going to change things dramatically." Closing the Gap data, released by the Productivity Commission in March, showed just four of the 19 national targets are on track to be met, while another six have shown improvement. The review was commissioned by the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Indigenous peak bodies across Australia. Acting lead convener Scott Wilson said when governments and community organisations worked in genuine partnership, there were tangible outcomes. "When we all come together and when everyone's on the same page and we're driving change, whether it's with community organisations or with a state or federal government you do have good outcomes and you do have change," he said. Prof Coombes said governments should "take heart" in the review, despite its criticisms, as it was an opportunity for change. "If the government read this report, considers the recommendations and starts self-reflecting on how they work and how they engage with Indigenous people, there's a really good opportunity to do things differently and better," he said. Governments are being urged to rethink their approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if they are serious about closing the gap. While the Closing the Gap framework is sound, its implementation has been inhibited by inaction, an independent, Indigenous-led review found. The framework has been agreed to all Australian governments and is designed to address First Nations inequity. The report authors engaged with more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across Australia for the review, said University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes. "The feedback we got overwhelmingly through the process from Indigenous people was that we all shook hands, all levels of government agreed to this framework and we're not stepping away from it," Professor Coombes told AAP. "However, if it's going to fulfil its promise, the government needs to work differently with us." The review found imbalance of responsibilities and resourcing was impeding implementation, with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations doing the "heavy lifting" while being under-resourced. But the absence of appropriate communication and education about Closing the Gap efforts had led to community negativity about progress on the targets, the report said. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council deputy chief executive David Harmer said too often there was "lip service" paid to the targets. "We spend a lot of time dutifully reporting to government about the work that we've been doing ... but that's not translating to practical action on the ground that people recognise as the benefit of the Closing the Gap agreement" he said. Mr Harmer urged the government in his state to work more closely with Indigenous organisations, saying there's a need for renewed commitment to getting the relationship right. "Governments arrive with an idea of what they want to deliver, 'consult' about it and then deliver the thing they'd already thought they were going to do," he said. "That can't continue if we're going to change things dramatically." Closing the Gap data, released by the Productivity Commission in March, showed just four of the 19 national targets are on track to be met, while another six have shown improvement. The review was commissioned by the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Indigenous peak bodies across Australia. Acting lead convener Scott Wilson said when governments and community organisations worked in genuine partnership, there were tangible outcomes. "When we all come together and when everyone's on the same page and we're driving change, whether it's with community organisations or with a state or federal government you do have good outcomes and you do have change," he said. Prof Coombes said governments should "take heart" in the review, despite its criticisms, as it was an opportunity for change. "If the government read this report, considers the recommendations and starts self-reflecting on how they work and how they engage with Indigenous people, there's a really good opportunity to do things differently and better," he said. Governments are being urged to rethink their approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if they are serious about closing the gap. While the Closing the Gap framework is sound, its implementation has been inhibited by inaction, an independent, Indigenous-led review found. The framework has been agreed to all Australian governments and is designed to address First Nations inequity. The report authors engaged with more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across Australia for the review, said University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes. "The feedback we got overwhelmingly through the process from Indigenous people was that we all shook hands, all levels of government agreed to this framework and we're not stepping away from it," Professor Coombes told AAP. "However, if it's going to fulfil its promise, the government needs to work differently with us." The review found imbalance of responsibilities and resourcing was impeding implementation, with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations doing the "heavy lifting" while being under-resourced. But the absence of appropriate communication and education about Closing the Gap efforts had led to community negativity about progress on the targets, the report said. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council deputy chief executive David Harmer said too often there was "lip service" paid to the targets. "We spend a lot of time dutifully reporting to government about the work that we've been doing ... but that's not translating to practical action on the ground that people recognise as the benefit of the Closing the Gap agreement" he said. Mr Harmer urged the government in his state to work more closely with Indigenous organisations, saying there's a need for renewed commitment to getting the relationship right. "Governments arrive with an idea of what they want to deliver, 'consult' about it and then deliver the thing they'd already thought they were going to do," he said. "That can't continue if we're going to change things dramatically." Closing the Gap data, released by the Productivity Commission in March, showed just four of the 19 national targets are on track to be met, while another six have shown improvement. The review was commissioned by the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Indigenous peak bodies across Australia. Acting lead convener Scott Wilson said when governments and community organisations worked in genuine partnership, there were tangible outcomes. "When we all come together and when everyone's on the same page and we're driving change, whether it's with community organisations or with a state or federal government you do have good outcomes and you do have change," he said. Prof Coombes said governments should "take heart" in the review, despite its criticisms, as it was an opportunity for change. "If the government read this report, considers the recommendations and starts self-reflecting on how they work and how they engage with Indigenous people, there's a really good opportunity to do things differently and better," he said.
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
New approach needed to fulfil closing the gap promise
Governments are being urged to rethink their approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if they are serious about closing the gap. While the Closing the Gap framework is sound, its implementation has been inhibited by inaction, an independent, Indigenous-led review found. The framework has been agreed to all Australian governments and is designed to address First Nations inequity. The report authors engaged with more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across Australia for the review, said University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes. "The feedback we got overwhelmingly through the process from Indigenous people was that we all shook hands, all levels of government agreed to this framework and we're not stepping away from it," Professor Coombes told AAP. "However, if it's going to fulfil its promise, the government needs to work differently with us." The review found imbalance of responsibilities and resourcing was impeding implementation, with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations doing the "heavy lifting" while being under-resourced. But the absence of appropriate communication and education about Closing the Gap efforts had led to community negativity about progress on the targets, the report said. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council deputy chief executive David Harmer said too often there was "lip service" paid to the targets. "We spend a lot of time dutifully reporting to government about the work that we've been doing ... but that's not translating to practical action on the ground that people recognise as the benefit of the Closing the Gap agreement" he said. Mr Harmer urged the government in his state to work more closely with Indigenous organisations, saying there's a need for renewed commitment to getting the relationship right. "Governments arrive with an idea of what they want to deliver, 'consult' about it and then deliver the thing they'd already thought they were going to do," he said. "That can't continue if we're going to change things dramatically." Closing the Gap data, released by the Productivity Commission in March, showed just four of the 19 national targets are on track to be met, while another six have shown improvement. The review was commissioned by the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Indigenous peak bodies across Australia. Acting lead convener Scott Wilson said when governments and community organisations worked in genuine partnership, there were tangible outcomes. "When we all come together and when everyone's on the same page and we're driving change, whether it's with community organisations or with a state or federal government you do have good outcomes and you do have change," he said. Prof Coombes said governments should "take heart" in the review, despite its criticisms, as it was an opportunity for change. "If the government read this report, considers the recommendations and starts self-reflecting on how they work and how they engage with Indigenous people, there's a really good opportunity to do things differently and better," he said.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Business
- 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
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
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
