NSW BUDGET 2024/25 – WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
HEALTH
* $3.4 billion to upgrade hospitals and health facilities, including nearly $1 billion for capital works in regional and rural areas
* $274 million to boost staffing at new and upgraded hospitals
* Nearly $112 million for mental health services, including funds for community teams to work in targeted areas
* $40 million to improve health services for children, including extra pediatric staff
* $15.1 million for an upgrade to paramedics’ systems to help them find the most suitable emergency departments
* $6.3 million to examine the feasibility of a NSW “health locum agency” to bring down the cost of hiring temporary staff
EDUCATION
* $3.6 billion for school infrastructure in fast-growing areas, including new primary and high schools at Box Hill in Sydney’s outer northwest
* $1.4 billion for new schools and upgrades in regional NSW across four years
* $1.08 billion for minor works and other upgrades and refurbishments in public schools
* $190 million for urgent repairs on TAFE campuses and a further $16 million to continue fee-free training for apprentices and trainees
* $83.1 million to retain expert TAFE teachers
HOUSING
* $450 million to build apartments for essential workers such as nurses, paramedics, teacher and health care staff
* Nearly $254 million for extra planners and technology to speed up assessment of development applications
* $200 million to buy 120 dwellings and accommodate 500 health workers in regional and rural areas
* $200 million for infrastructure in council areas that meet or beat their shares of state housing targets
* $8.4 million to the Rental Commissioner to target dodgy agents and breaches of rental laws
* Extra income of an expected $1.68 billion over four years due to changes to land tax thresholds for investment properties and businesses
TRANSPORT
* $2 billion for the second stage of Parramatta light rail, with construction to start before the next election
* More than $1 billion for roads to the new Western Sydney Airport
* $447 million to extend the life of the Tangara train fleet for another 12 years
* Nearly $140 million for bus upgrades, including on-board equipment and extra electric vehicles for western Sydney routes
REGIONS
* $946 million for biosecurity protection, including funding to control feral pigs, fire ants and Varroa mite
* Nearly $202 million for infrastructure in growing regional communities, including Wagga Wagga, Tweed Shire and Bathurst
LAW AND JUSTICE
* $230 million in emergency domestic violence funding, including money for better victim support and extra court resources
* $22.9 million for upgrades to Waverley and Rose Bay police stations in Sydney
* $14.2 million for NSW Police’s forensic evidence and technical services command
ARTS
* $45.4 million to support artists and live venues through funding to Sound NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
EMERGENCY SERVICES
* $189.5 million to guarantee 286 existing firefighter jobs
* $15.4 million to buy land for a fire station at Badgerys Creek