The NSW Liberals and Nationals have a plan to support families, back jobs and get NSW back to the top of the pack. A key part of that plan is delivering a more affordable, reliable and resilient energy system that puts downward pressure on power bills and supports economic growth.
Under Labor families and businesses are struggling, energy costs continue to rise and confidence in the state’s energy transition continues to weaken.
The Liberals and Nationals will diversify the state’s energy mix by unlocking energy generation, storage and distribution closer to where people live and businesses operate.
The centrepiece of the plan is the creation of the Sydney City Renewable Energy Zone and accelerating work to create additional zones in Newcastle and Wollongong.
These City REZs will unlock the state’s largest untapped energy resource by supporting industrial precincts, commercial buildings, apartment complexes and local communities, to better utilise solar and battery technology, generating and storing power closer to where it is consumed.
The plan will also prioritise scoping studies and support for the Outback Renewable Energy Zone as part of a more diverse and resilient energy system for NSW. The Far West region possesses some of the state’s strongest solar resources and significant potential for renewable generation and storage. Importantly, the Outback REZ has the capacity to unlock substantial new energy generation while supporting regional jobs, investment and economic development.
The scope and scale of the New England Renewable Energy Zone, which is significantly over budget and behind schedule will also be reviewed and revised.
The review will prioritise upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure and remove the need for the proposed 500kV transmission line corridor.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said affordable and reliable energy was essential to a strong economy.
“A stronger economy requires affordable and reliable energy. If we want lower power bills, more jobs and greater economic resilience, we need to produce more energy, closer to where it is used,” Ms Sloane said.
“Families cannot get ahead and businesses cannot grow if they are paying too much for power.”
“New South Wales needs new generation and storage as coal retires, but the transition must be affordable, deliverable and undertaken in partnership with communities.”
“Our plan is focused on energy security, economic resilience and lower costs for households and businesses.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin said City Renewable Energy Zones are about generating and storing more power closer to where people live and businesses operate.
“Instead of relying solely on energy generated hundreds of kilometres away, we will unlock the enormous potential of industrial precincts, commercial buildings and apartment complexes across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong to produce, store and supply energy directly into the existing grid.”
“This is about making better use of the assets we already have. Thousands of warehouses, industrial sites, commercial buildings and apartment developments have the potential to become part of our energy network, generating power where it is needed most and reducing reliance on expensive new transmission infrastructure.
We will create a Delivery Coordination Office, to work alongside communities, councils, networks and the market to get the Urban REZ up and running urgently.”
Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh said that under Labor, the state’s energy roadmap is becoming increasingly concentrated.
“Supporting new energy generation should not come at the expense of some of our most productive farmland. We have listened to local communities and are putting forward a practical plan that delivers energy security while reducing unnecessary impacts on landholders and the environment.”
“That’s why we’ll establish the Outback REZ. Unlike other parts of the state, the Far West offers an opportunity to expand generation in an area with lower population density and fewer land-use conflicts, helping diversify NSW’s energy supply and reduce reliance on a small number of Renewable Energy Zones.”
“The Liberals and Nationals support the energy transition, but it must be cheaper, better, fairer, and carried out in partnership with local communities. That means listening when legitimate concerns are raised and being prepared to adjust the plan.”
The Liberals and Nationals estimate the plan has the potential to unlock enough generation and storage capacity to power around 10 million homes, roughly equivalent to every household in Australia.
This is a practical plan to help families get ahead and stay ahead, support businesses to grow and create jobs, and build a stronger future for NSW.
Author: admin
Government another step closer to delivering tax reforms
The Albanese Government is another step closer to delivering its tax reforms for workers, home buyers, and businesses.
These reforms will make it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cut taxes for over 13 million workers, and better align the tax treatment of labour and asset income.
Today the Greens have confirmed they will support passage of the first tranche of tax reform legislation.
It is now a question for the rest of the Parliament whether they will get on board with tax cuts for workers and a fairer tax system for first home buyers.
The three right wing parties voted against these tax cuts and in favour of big tax breaks for property investors in the House, and now they’re planning to vote the same way in the Senate which will mean voting against tax concessions for small businesses as well.
Government amendments to the legislation will mean all 2.7 million active small businesses and 98 per cent of all active businesses will be eligible for generous Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions.
The Government will make a number of additional amendments, in line with our announcement on 18 June, to provide as much certainty on the implementation details as possible.
The Government will also support amendments to the NDIS legislation to clarify the implementation of the reforms.
In addition, the Government has agreed to support an amendment that will be moved by the Greens to ban future limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) for residential property by superannuation funds.
Superannuation funds are generally prohibited from borrowing money to invest, with the exception of LRBAs that are used by SMSFs.
Multiple inquiries have raised concerns that these arrangements raise risks for superannuation investors, including the 2014 Murray Financial System Inquiry conducted for the Coalition, and limiting new arrangements going forward will help protect people’s savings.
These arrangements constitute less than 1 per cent of total residential property borrowing and less than half a per cent of new residential borrowing each year.
These changes don’t in any way change the tax arrangements for superannuation, don’t impact any existing SMSF borrowing arrangements and provide time to finalise arrangements that are in train.
Labor built superannuation and we’ll always look to make it stronger and fairer, and agreeing to these changes will reduce the risks to retirement savings while also securing passage of these important reforms to make the tax system fairer.
Passage of this important legislation this fortnight will provide workers, businesses and investors certainty about the core tax settings that will apply from 1 July 2027.
The Government will continue to develop further tranches of legislation to implement the Budget tax reform package, consistent with the process for legislating other large tax reform packages in the past.
Paid Parental Leave to expand to 6 months
One week to go: Bundle of joy for new parents as paid parental leave expands to 6 months
In one week, the Albanese Labor Government will deliver a major expansion of Paid Parental Leave, helping new parents spend more time at home with their newest family member.
From 1 July eligible families will be able to access up to 26 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, backed by the Government.
Thanks to Labor’s changes, families accessing the full entitlement will receive almost $30,000 across their Paid Parental Leave.
This is more than double the entitlement available to families before Labor came to government.
The changes that come into effect on 1 July mean:
- More time – parents welcoming a new baby or adopting a child will be able to access up to 26 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, giving families more precious time at home with their newest member.
- More money – parents receiving Paid Parental Leave will receive a higher rate of payment from 1 July, increasing to $1,004.70 per week. Parents have also received superannuation on their Paid Parental Leave since 1 July last year.
- More people eligible – annual income limits for Paid Parental Leave will rise, with the individual income limit increasing to $186,487 and the family income limit increasing to $386,525.
Since the expansion of the Paid Parental Leave scheme began, parents of more than 460,000 children have already benefited.
From 1 July, 2.6 million Australians will also benefit when a range of social security payments, thresholds and limits increase.
At a time when global uncertainty has placed pressure on households, these changes will deliver more money in the bank and help many cover the cost of essentials.
Over 1.2 million families with children will receive a boost to their Family Tax Benefit payment to help them with the cost of raising their children.
The maximum rate for Family Tax Benefit Part A will increase to $235.48 per fortnight for each child aged under 13, and to $306.46 per fortnight for each child aged 13 and over.
For Family Tax Benefit Part B, the maximum rate will rise to $200.34 per fortnight for families with a youngest child under five, and to $139.86 per fortnight for families whose youngest child is aged five or older.
Income and assets thresholds will increase for a range of recipients, including pensioners and Parenting Payment Single recipients. This means recipients will be able to have higher levels of income and assets before their payments are affected.
More information on new payment rates and thresholds is available on the Department of Social Services website.
the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
“The first months with a new baby are precious. My Government is making it easier for parents to spend that time together.
“That’s why we’re expanding Paid Parental Leave again from 1 July, giving parents more time at home with their newborn and more support when they need it most.
“It was Labor that created Paid Parental Leave, and it’s Labor that’s continuing to strengthen it for Australian families.
“This is good for business, good for families and good for our economy.”
the Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:
“The Albanese Government has consistently put Australian women at the heart of our priorities, and from July 1 they will be even better off.
“By expanding Paid Parental Leave we are making the scheme stronger, fairer and better suited to the way modern families share care.
“These changes give parents more time, more flexibility and more financial security, while helping make caring responsibilities more equal between women and men.”
the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“Labor’s changes to Paid Parental Leave mean working parents get more time off and more money when they welcome a new arrival into their family.
“It was a Labor Government that introduced Paid Parental Leave in this country, and now it’s the Albanese Labor Government expanding it to six months of leave.
“Labor will keep delivering real change that helps Australian families.”
Homicide Squad detectives release CCTV as investigation into a fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie continue
Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV as they appeal for information into the murder of a man in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.
Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.
A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives have released CCTV of a man they are seeking to identify to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be aged in his early 20s, with a thin build, and blond hair.
He was last seen at a service station in Mayfield wearing a black jacket, black pants with a white graphic, a black cap, and black shoes.
As investigations continue, anyone with information about the incident, or who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Rider dies after crash near Maitland
A rider has died after a two-vehicle crash near Maitland yesterday afternoon.
About 5.30pm (Tuesday 23 June 2026), emergency services were called to the intersection of Denton Park Drive and Kerry Circuit, Aberglasslyn, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found that a motorcycle and a Toyota SUV had crashed.
The rider – a 33-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital; however, he died on arrival.
The driver – a 59-year-old woman – was uninjured during the incident and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police have established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the crash has commenced.
State Government commits funding for final step in designing new entertainment centre
City of Newcastle welcomes the State Government’s announcement today that it will commit almost $15 million towards finalising the design of a new entertainment and conference centre at Broadmeadow.
The funding was the key plank of City of Newcastle’s NSW Pre-budget Submission shared with the Treasurer and local State MPs in February this year.
CEO Jeremy Bath and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz met with local MPs and advisors at Parliament House last month to stress the regional benefit of the $499 million arena, which is forecast to entertain more than 640,000 people and generate almost $41 million annually for the local economy.
A new entertainment and conference centre will be designed to host international entertainment acts, as well as provide a home to professional basketball and netball franchises playing in national competitions.
Known as Newcastle Arena, the 12,000 seat facility will be located to the immediate north of McDonald Jones Stadium in an area already zoned for a multipurpose indoor arena.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath singled out Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley for championing the project for the past three years.
“In every meeting I’ve had with Minister Catley since the State election in 2023, she’s spoken about the need for a new entertainment centre at Broadmeadow,” Mr Bath said.
“I thank her for her dedication to this project and securing the necessary funds from the Treasurer and Premier to get Newcastle Arena to the shovel ready stage.
“This is the first domino to fall at Broadmeadow in what will ultimately become a residential and entertainment precinct that will be home to 40,000 people and up to 8,000 workers.”
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Committee and Hunter Park Advisory Member Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the new entertainment and conference centre will be a win for the region.
“The Newcastle Entertainment Centre was built 34 years ago and was only intended to operate for five years,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Its condition is now at a point where our local economy is losing more than $20 million annually in missed events from artists and promoters who refuse to perform there.
“We know from ticketing data that 70% of all ticket sales to the existing entertainment centre come from the Hunter.
“Once the new entertainment and conference center is constructed, Newcastle will be able to secure touring acts that currently skip our city and require our region’s residents to travel to Sydney or Melbourne.
“I’d like to thank our local State MPs, Venues NSW Board Director John Quayle as well as councillors of the current and past term who have taken every opportunity to advocate for a new entertainment centre for our region.
“We need to keep the momentum going now by securing the $484 million needed to construct Newcastle Arena.”
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the positive momentum for Newcastle was unstoppable.
“Council staff deserve credit for delivering the Broadmeadow Place Strategy last year that gave the NSW Government the confidence to start investing in Broadmeadow,” Cr Morris said.
“My job now is to ensure they open their cheque books even wider. Our state is in the midst of a housing crisis and Broadmeadow is perfectly placed to deliver one of the largest residential developments anywhere in NSW.
“The detailed design for the new entertainment and conference centre is likely to take 12 months, meaning that if the Government and Opposition both commit to build the Arena before the State Election in March next year, the existing entertainment centre could be demolished by 2029.
“And once the existing entertainment centre is demolished, it frees the site for much needed new homes to be built at Broadmeadow right beside the train station.”
The demolition of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre will not include the showground ring or grandstands, which are local heritage items.
Rebuilding Essential Services: Supporting families, rebuilding our future
Families across NSW rely every day on schools, hospitals and other essential services – and on the dedicated people who deliver them.
This Budget continues rebuilding the essential services families rely on, while supporting the workers who deliver them every day.
It acts on a simple principle: relief for today and reform for tomorrow – building a state working Australians can afford.
A stronger health system
Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.
A historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will grow the workforce, lift hospital capacity and meet rising demand. It delivers:
- 9,000 more health workers
- Capacity for an extra 33,000 emergency department presentations and 2,900 more planned surgeries each year.
The Budget also includes $11.9 billion for health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds, with $400 million for critical maintenance.
Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.
Northern Beaches Hospital is now publicly owned, with all 494 beds and more than 1,800 staff transferred to NSW Health.
Mental health support
This Budget keeps frontline mental health and suicide prevention services running and
backs people in crisis. It invests:
- $64.8 million to maintain critical mental health and suicide prevention services statewide, in partnership with the Australian Government.
- $43.3 million for immediate crisis support through Lifeline services.
- $4.3 million for mental health peak bodies and community-managed services.
Better schools and early learning
Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, a quarter of it in regional NSW. It also delivers:
- The 3-Year-Old Fee Relief Trial in Long Day Care extended to the end of 2027, worth $42.6 million.
- Co-located public early learning at a further 17 public schools, in addition to the commitment of 100 new public preschools by 2027.
NSW schools now have 71 per cent fewer teacher vacancies than November 2022, with 25,000 teachers made permanent since 2023.
TAFE and skills
This Budget makes an investment of $3.4 billion in skills and TAFE, including $233.0 million in capital for campus upgrades, maintenance and revitalisation.
More than 3,300 TAFE teachers have been made permanent since 2023.
Responsible decisions make these investments possible
This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.
That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.
As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.
It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.
Western NSW: Supporting families, securing our future
Families across Western NSW are under real pressure. Vast distances, higher energy and water costs and fewer local alternatives mean the cost of mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is felt acutely across the region, from the Central West to the Far West.
This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today, reform for tomorrow, discipline always – building a state working Australians can afford.
Relief for cost-of-living pressures
Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches Western NSW households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:
- $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles, with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
- $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
- A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because Sydney CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.
These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package, comprising:
- The weekly toll cap cut from $60 to $50 for 2026-27, going further than last year’s $60 cap.
- Scrapping toll administration fees from July, saving at least $10 a notice, and ending a charge that cost motorists $60 million last year, in some cases twice the toll itself.
- Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year.
Healthier Western NSW communities
Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.
Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.
This sits alongside $11.9 billion for heath infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds.
Regional NSW shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, nearly $3.0 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. In Western NSW, this includes $23.1 million for the Dubbo Alcohol and Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation Centre.
Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.
Western NSW nurses, midwives, teachers and police are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building.
Better schools, closer to home
Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $2.3 billion is for regional NSW. In Western NSW, this includes the Willyama High School rebuild in Broken Hill.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across regional NSW, close to the communities they serve.
Transport and connectivity
Reliable transport keeps Western NSW connected and moving. This Budget invests:
- $31.8 million for a heavy-vehicle bypass route at Gilgandra.
- $29.9 million for the Newell Highway upgrade and the new Dubbo Bridge.
Safer Western NSW communities
Domestic and family violence is disproportionately higher in rural and regional areas.
This Budget makes a $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence
programs, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase phased in over four years.
Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination.
Investments in emergency services protect communities and keep families and businesses safe.
This Budget provides $470.1 million over 10 years to enhance emergency response and better protect communities by transferring the state’s red fleet from councils to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Budget also continues the major upgrade of Bourke Police Station, backed by $16.2 million.
Building for Western NSW’s future
This Budget includes investments in Western NSW, including:
- $10.5 million to upgrade Western NSW airports including the White Cliffs airstrip and Bourke Airport to improve safety and reliability for emergency and general aviation.
- $10.4 million to deliver major upgrades to the Dubbo PCYC that will boost local sporting facilities and deliver life changing opportunities for young people.
- Continuing the $10 million Western NSW Work force activation package to establish, expand or upgrade early childhood education and care, giving women across western NSW greater opportunities to re-enter the workforce.
Responsible decisions make these investments possible
This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.
That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.
As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.
It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.
Investment to help more women and children escape violence
The Minns Labor Government will invest an additional $184.1 million to increase funding by 50 per cent for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs over the next four years to help keep more women and children safe.
This is the largest across-the-board increase in core funding for specialist domestic and family violence programs in decades. It represents a landmark investment in the services women and children rely on when escaping violence.
Domestic and family violence is one of the biggest social challenges facing our state.
Demand for support continues to grow across NSW, with specialist services facing increasing pressure as more victim-survivors seek help.
Safety is the first step in helping victim-survivors rebuild their lives. This investment will help ensure that when someone makes the difficult decision to leave violence, they can get the support they need, when they need it.
The funding will expand access to safety planning, counselling, case management and tailored support, while also growing the frontline workforce and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sector.
We have listened to the sector about the challenges they face. This investment is designed to stabilise services, expand capacity and fund hundreds of additional specialist workers in communities across NSW.
It builds on the Government’s work to move key domestic and family violence programs to five-year contracts, helping provide greater certainty for service providers and continuity of care for victim-survivors.
It also lays the foundation for longer-term reform and a stronger, more sustainable domestic and family violence support system for the future.
Where the funding goes
The $184.1 million is delivered across six frontline programs:
- $76.1 million for the Safer Pathway program, providing coordinated support for victim-survivors across NSW.
- $54.0 million for the Staying Home Leaving Violence program and the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services program to help women and children remain safely in their homes after violence, and provide intensive case management for high-risk families.
- $19.3 million for Men’s Behaviour Change programs, to reduce and prevent violent and abusive behaviour.
- $17.5 million for the Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program, providing after-hours assistance to people experiencing domestic and family violence.
- $17.2 million for Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, providing trauma-informed support for children and young people escaping violence.
Community-sector workers who deliver these services also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase, in line with the Fair Work Commission determination and which the Minns Labor Government is passing on in full.
Reform for the future
A further $6.3 million will support frontline services and long-term reform through continuing work on the Common Approach to Risk Assessment and Safety (CARAS). These reforms are part of a broader package totalling $190.4 million.
This builds on the $5.1 billion committed in the previous Budget for new social housing, with
half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. It also follows from our $245.6 million investment to expand support services and improve domestic violence prevention to build a safer NSW.
Building a safer future
This investment builds on the Government’s broader work to expand support services, deliver more social housing and strengthen prevention efforts across NSW.
Because when women and children make the decision to leave violence, they deserve to know help will be there
North Coast: Supporting families, securing our future
Families across the North Coast are under real pressure. Long distances, higher energy needs and the lasting toll of natural disasters mean the cost of mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is felt acutely across the region.
This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today, reform for tomorrow, discipline always – building a state working Australians can afford.
Relief for cost-of-living pressures
Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches North Coast households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:
- $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles, with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
- $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
- A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because Sydney CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.
These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package, comprising:
- The weekly toll cap cut from $60 to $50 for 2026-27, going further than last year’s
$60 cap. - Scrapping toll administration fees from July, saving at least $10 a notice, and ending
a charge that cost motorists $60 million last year, in some cases twice the toll itself. - Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year.
Healthier North Coast communities
Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.
Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.
This sits alongside $11.9 billion for health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds.
Regional NSW shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, nearly $3.0 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. On the North Coast, this includes:
- $265.0 million for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital redevelopment.
- $263.8 million for the Grafton Hospital redevelopment, including delivering a contemporary maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.
Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.
North Coast nurses, midwives, teachers and police are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building.
Better schools, closer to home
Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $2.3 billion is for regional NSW. On the North Coast, this includes:
- The Lennox Head Public School relocation.
- Upgrades at Casino High School.
- A new community open space for Pottsville High School.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across regional NSW, close to the communities they serve.
Transport and connectivity
Reliable transport keeps the North Coast connected and moving. This Budget invests:
- $227.3 million for the Coffs Harbour bypass.
- $30 million to plan upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway from Tweed Heads to Byron
Bay (in Partnership with the Australian Government). - $22.1 million to continue improvements to Waterfall Way.
Safer North Coast communities
Domestic and family violence is disproportionately higher in rural and regional areas.
This Budget makes a $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence programs, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase phased in over four years.
Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination.
The Budget also continues the Regional Police Station program for the Northern Rivers, backed by $28.0 million in 2026-27.
Investments in emergency services protect communities and keep families and businesses safe.
This Budget provides $470.1 million over 10 years to enhance emergency response and better protect communities by transferring the state’s red fleet from councils to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Responsible decisions make these investments possible
This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.
That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.
As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.
It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.