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Public finance

NSW Budget 2025: Key Wins and Losses

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The 2025 NSW budget promises a boost for education, healthcare, and disaster relief, with a focus on regional areas. However, it falls short in providing cost of living relief for individuals and families. A $1.2 billion increase in funding for children and families fleeing abuse and neglect is the most significant unexpected win. The budget also includes $100 million for biosecurity, $3.5 billion for hospitals, and $4.2 billion for disaster recovery and relief over the next four years. However, small businesses and property developers are left with little assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 NSW budget allocates $1.2 billion for children and families fleeing abuse and neglect, including a 20 percent rise in foster carer allowances and funding for group homes.
  • $100 million is allocated for biosecurity, including $41 million for research station operations and $9.3 million to combat feral pigs and deer.
  • $3.5 billion will be spent on hospitals over four years, including in regional areas like Wollongong, Gunnedah, and Forbes.
  • Disaster recovery and relief will receive $4.2 billion over four years, with the state and federal government contributing jointly.
  • $1 billion in finance guarantees will be given to property developers to build low-to-medium-rise housing projects.
  • $48 million will be spent on improving mobile coverage on major highways.
  • Improving mobile coverage on some major highways will cost $48 million, including $10 million from the federal government.
  • Coal mining regions like the Hunter and Central West will receive $27.3 million to transition to clean energy.

Statistics:

  • The NSW budget allocates $1.2 billion for children and families fleeing abuse and neglect.
  • $100 million will be spent on biosecurity.
  • $3.5 billion will be spent on hospitals over four years.
  • $4.2 billion will be allocated for disaster recovery and relief over four years.
  • $1 billion in finance guarantees will be given to property developers.
  • $48 million will be spent on improving mobile coverage on major highways.
  • Coal mining regions like the Hunter and Central West will receive $27.3 million to transition to clean energy.
  • The government forecasts a 3.4 percent deficit for 2025-26 but predicts a small surplus in two years.

Sources:

  • NSW Government, 2025 Budget Documents
  • NSW Government, "Foster Carer Allowance"
  • NSW Government, "Biosecurity funding"
  • NSW Government, "Hospitals"

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