Author: admin

A report released by global ratings agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) this week noted Australian wages caps, like the one in NSW, have “struck a pragmatic middle ground” as the “fiscal scars and debt overhang from COVID-19 linger”.

The report, titled Subnational Debt 2023: Australian States Navigate Crosscurrents of COVID, Coal And Capex, outlines the challenges facing Australian states including pressures on infrastructure delivery and rising interest rates.

It also notes Australian states, including NSW, are “highly rated” by ratings agencies.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the “middle ground” noted by S&P was a result of the NSW commitment to deliver a fair deal for both public servants and taxpayers.

“Despite current economic challenges following unprecedented floods, fires and the pandemic, NSW remains in a strong economic position that allows some of the most generous public sector pay increases in the country,” Mr Kean said.

“This is what a Liberal and Nationals Government dedicated to providing support, services and a strong economy can actually deliver, as opposed to NSW Labor promises that will never be delivered. NSW Labor left a $30 billion infrastructure backlog last time they left office with their poor economic and financial management.”

The report comes after the Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe warned that further increases in interest rates would be required in the months ahead.

The February Statement of Monetary Policy said the Reserve Bank board would pay close attention to labour costs and the price-setting behaviour of firms, “given the importance of avoiding a prices-wages spiral”.

Mr Kean said the Minns and Mookhey policy of removing the public sector wage cap could have grave economic consequences for the people of New South Wales.

“The risks of Labor’s half-baked approach to economy and fiscal policy is clear,” Mr Kean said.

“It’s a price every household in NSW would pay if these two former Labor Party officials were elected. It would mean higher interest rates for longer as the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy fights against NSW Labor’s fiscal profligacy.

“Wages make up more than 40 per cent of the state’s budget. We are already seeing Labor cancel Metro projects from opposition to cover their $8 billion public sector wages black hole

“Only the Liberal and Nationals Government has a long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.”

Liberal candidate for Blacktown, Allan Green, welcomes the Liberal and Nationals Government announcement that, if re-elected, will create 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years, turbocharging the economy and ensuring Western Sydney remains a thriving place to live and work.

Mr Green said only a Liberal and Nationals Government can deliver more and better paying local jobs for Blacktown.

“Delivering jobs for the people of Blacktown means security for families and prosperity in the region, securing a brighter future for generations to come,” Mr Green said.

“The Perrottet Government has made an unprecedented investment in the people of Blacktown including the upgrade of Blacktown Hospital, the new Blacktown Ambulance station, and the many local WestInvest project grants. This announcement of more and better paying jobs demonstrates true and continued commitment by the Liberal and Nationals Government to the people of Blacktown.

“This is about creating more local opportunities in Blacktown, investing in people and ensuring the region remains a great place to live as well as the engine room of our state’s economy.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals would deliver better paying jobs for the people of Western Sydney to support local businesses and futureproof the region.

“We will deliver 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years across a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, health, transport, professional services, science and more,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering jobs growth, with 209,100 more people employed in NSW now than before the pandemic, and that strong track record of jobs growth will only continue under the Liberal and Nationals.

“Our $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is already supporting thousands of jobs in Western Sydney, including on the new toll-free M12 motorway, Sydney Metro, and the Western Sydney Airport aerotropolis.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said creating more quality jobs will provide a significant boost to the economy.

“Western Sydney is the third largest economy in the country after Sydney and Melbourne and home to more than 230,000 businesses employing around 1 million people,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s unemployment rate is currently 3.1 per cent which is the lowest in the country, but with so much happening in Western Sydney we know there is an opportunity to create thousands more jobs.

“This compliments our long term plan to help 95,000 women enter the workforce or take on more hours by making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this government’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years signals a commitment to not only boost the NSW economy and jobs creation but also deliver a first-class, fast and reliable transport network for western Sydney.

“This government will continue to deliver on their promise to create job opportunities through the delivery of our infrastructure pipeline of Sydney Metro projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project alone is supporting more than 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices in an economic boost for NSW and more than 50,000 people will have worked on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project by the time it is completed, while Sydney Metro West will create 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction. 

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to jobs creation and business opportunities for western Sydney through our investment in transport infrastructure with more than 22,000 local jobs generated with the construction and operation of the Sydney Metro North West Line.”

Labor will deprive nearly 250,000 residents across Western Sydney of a Metro station in their suburb, cutting direct access to the new Western Sydney Airport and funneling more commuters onto the city’s road network.

Labor have announced they will scrap the Liberal and Nationals’ plans for new metro lines between Bankstown to Glenfield, and Westmead and the new Western Sydney Airport.

This will leave nearly 250,000 people without direct access to a Metro Station and without a metro connection to the new Western Sydney Airport. It will also impact 20,000 direct construction jobs.

This means that based on the current transport services:

· Someone living in Bankstown travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $150 for a taxi OR take a 2-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Wentworthville travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $120 for a taxi OR take a 1.5-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Chipping Norton travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $100 for a taxi OR take a 3-hour journey via two trains and two buses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said Labor was walking away from the people of Western Sydney.

“Labor are already cancelling projects from opposition because they don’t have an economic plan and without an economic plan, they can’t build the transport infrastructure that Western Sydney needs,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Labor’s cancellation of projects to cover their budget blackhole will derail our state’s economy.

“Sydney Metro is already transforming the way we move around our city and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

“Under Labor, Western Sydney Metro jobs would go down the gurgler. This is exactly the kind of short-sightedness that will see our state stall under Labor.

“Under the Liberal and Nationals plan to complete the Metro, we are going to transform Western Sydney and future-proof our transport network.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this is another example of why Labor is not equipped to govern this State.

“This is Labor 101 – cancelling projects before they’ve even started,” Mr Elliott said. 

“This will leave a quarter of a million commuters without access to a fast and reliable Metro system that will get families home sooner.

“The Labor party has proved yet again they can’t deliver the infrastructure needs of a growing Western Sydney.”

The Liberal and Nationals have committed to finishing Sydney Metro with four new routes, including:

· Tallawong to St Marys

· Westmead to the Aerotropolis

· Bankstown to Glenfield via Liverpool; and

· Macarthur to the Aerotropolis

The two lines that Labor will scrap are extensions to the South West and  West lines, which are being built to accommodate up to 80,000 commuters per hour (in both directions) when opened.

Services on these lines will run 20 hours a day, from 6am to 2am, which equates to a commuter capacity of up to 1.6 million each day on the line.

The proposed new lines will be integrated with the broader Sydney Metro network, which includes:

· Sydney Metro North West – completed in May 2019.

· Sydney Metro City and South West – services from Chatswood to Sydenham to commence in 2024, then to Bankstown within 12 months.

· Sydney Metro West – on track to be completed by 2030.

· Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport – The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver this project alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026.

The Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Eurobodalla community being a step closer to expanded and enhanced healthcare services with early works now underway at the site of the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Early works of this vital health project have kicked off and that’s great news for the Moruya and Bateman’s Bay area,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This state-of-the-art health facility will be a game changer and provide crucial support for our community. Investments like this are only possible because of the Liberal Team’s strong financial record and having a plan to move NSW forward.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today visited the site, marking the important milestone for the new state-of-the-art hospital which will transform healthcare for the Eurobodalla community from Batemans Bay to Narooma.

Mr Hazzard said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the hospital has been finalised and will shortly be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment.

“This marks a significant milestone in the planning for this new hospital, which will provide more health services than are currently available at both the Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will support core clinical services to be delivered at a role delineation Level Four, and has been informed by extensive consultation with clinicians, operational staff, community members, and local and state government agencies.

“Feedback from the local community has shaped key features of the hospital and we encourage everyone to view the latest plans and provide feedback as we move forward with this exciting project.”

Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said Aboriginal archaeological work will be carried out on site marking the important first step in early works construction.

“The local Aboriginal community has been central to helping shape the new health facility, and over the coming weeks, archeologists will be working closely with them to help identify significant Aboriginal objects or artefacts before construction commences,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is an important time for the community, which will see lots of activity happening on site over the coming months as we commence construction on the new hospital.

“Construction of a new roundabout on the Princes Highway will also start in the coming months, which will provide access to the hospital site during construction and become the main entrance to the hospital when it opens in 2025.”

The $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a Level 4 health facility and services including: 

• Emergency Department
• Eight-bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit
• Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis
• Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit
• Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service
• Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short term admission
• Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation lab

Construction of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is due for completion in 2025. It is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

The SSDA will be on public exhibition with the Department of Planning and Environment at: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects

For more information about the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development please visit the project website: www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Link to new drone footage of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital site

A re-elected Liberal Government will guarantee that there will be no new taxes on households and small businesses in the next term of government in Drummoyne.

Liberal candidate, Stephanie Di Pasqua, said that this NSW Liberal’s guarantee would provide certainty to businesses and family budgets across Drummoyne.

“Since 2011, the Liberal Government has made 33 tax cuts which has put $10.5 billion back in the pockets of those who need it most,” Ms Di Pasqua said.

“Taxes, under a NSW Liberal Government, will always be lower in Drummoyne”.

“Only a re-elected Liberal Government can commit to no new taxes thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

The NSW Liberal Government has slashed payroll tax nine times, saving thousands of businesses over $5 billion. We’ve also increased the taxable income threshold by $522,000 to $1.2 million, meaning small businesses are no longer burdened with any pay payroll tax and medium-sized businesses are saving $28,500 a year.

Our landmark stamp duty reforms, which give first home buyers the choice of paying a small annual fee instead of a large upfront stamp duty payment, will save families $900 million over the next four years.

By contrast, during their last term of government – NSW Labor introduced or increased taxes at least two dozen times.

List of Taxes Abolished or Decreased since 2011

Stamp duty: introduce First Home Buyer Choice for properties up to $1.5m giving first home buyers a choice between larger upfront stamp duty or lower annual payment

Land tax: extending principal place of residence exemption for building or renovating a home

Payroll Tax waiver of 50% in 2021-22 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Stamp Duty waiver on Electric Vehicles sold for up to $78,000

Payroll Tax rate reduction from 5.45% to 4.85% in 2020-21 and 2021-22

Accelerate Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million from 1 July 2020

Payroll threshold increased from $1 million to $1.2 million

Payroll Tax waiver of 25% in 2019-20 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Payroll Tax exemption for additional wages arising from JobKeeper

Transfer Duty reduction for one year for first home buyers purchasing new homes valued between $650,000 and $1 million

Freeze of indexation rates for heavy vehicles

Extension of the rebate for Primary Producer Heavy Vehicle registration

Emergency Drought Relief through one-year relief from Local Land Services annual rates and Farm Innovation Fund loan interest relief

Broadened Toll relief Program

Indexing Transfer Duty thresholds to CPI

Free registration on Primary Producer Heavy Vehicles

Emergency Drought Relief Package that includes free registration to agricultural vehicles, waiving local land services rates and waiving interest loans under the NSW Farm Innovation Fund

Introduced new $1 million Payroll Tax threshold

Caravan motor vehicle weight tax reduced by 40%

NSW Tolling Reward Plan: Introduced free motor vehicle registration for large toll consumers

Abolish insurance duty on commercial vehicle insurance for small businesses

Abolish Insurance Duty on professional indemnity insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on product and public liability insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on lenders mortgage insurance

Abolish Insurance Duty on crop and livestock insurance

Transfer duty exemption for first home buyers on new and existing homes valued up to $650,000, with discounts up to $800,000

Lowering NSW wagering tax rates to match Victoria’s

Abolition of stamp duty on business mortgages

Abolition of stamp duty on unlisted marketable securities

Abolition of transfer duty on non-real assets

Payroll tax threshold increase from $689,000 to $750,000

Raise the property value cap on first home buyer stamp duty concessions for new homes from $600,000 to $650,000

Payroll tax rebate for workers with a disability

Up to $1,500 in cash will hit the bank accounts of sole traders within days as the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme is extended to small business.

Treasurer Matt Kean said eligible small business operators would be able to claim up to an additional $750 in rebates once they’ve spent $375 in a year on a business toll account.

“Sole traders can backdate claims to 1 July 2022 and claim 40 per cent of what they’ve spent, up to $750 a year. This is in addition to the up to $750 a year in rebates available to sole traders for tolls incurred for their non-business activities, giving them a total of up to $1500,” Mr Kean said.

“This will make a big difference to many small business operators who will receive cash in their accounts within days of claiming. Eligible drivers will also be able to claim free or half-priced rego until 30 June, in addition to the toll rebate.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said more than 65,000 drivers had already claimed $26.9 million in the first three weeks of the new scheme.

“More than $26 million has already been deposited straight back into the pockets of hard-working families, tradies and other workers who regularly travel on Sydney toll roads,” Mrs Ward said.

“Small businesses will now have the chance to benefit as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to deliver savings across the community.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Toll Relief scheme was one of more than 70 cost of living rebates available through Service NSW.

“The experience of the last month has shown lodging your claim through your MyServiceNSW account is quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes,” Mr Dominello said.

“Customers just need to verify their identity, link their NSW toll account and then submit their claim. The MyService account also features a Toll Tracker, enabling motorists to easily track their expenditure before lodging a claim.

“Over 99 per cent of the almost 124,000 motorists who have left feedback have reported a positive experience.”

Customers who need assistance verifying their identity, linking their toll account or submitting a claim can call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for guidance or by visiting their nearest Service NSW Service Centre for digital kiosk support.

For more information, go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/driving-and-transport/tolls/toll-relief