Arabic version: ميزانية نيو ساوث ويلز تعطي الأولوية للصحة والتعليم والبنية التحتية قبل الانتخابات

The New South Wales government is set to unveil its final budget before the state election in March, with significant measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. According to ABC News, one of the key announcements is a cap on road tolls, limiting charges for motorists to no more than $50 per week. This change will benefit an additional 200,000 drivers as the current $60 cap is reduced until July 2027.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is expected to present the budget at 12:30 PM on Tuesday. However, with the economy facing challenges, including an anticipated drop of $8 billion in stamp duty and land tax revenue, Mookhey has moderated expectations regarding a return to surplus in the 2027-28 fiscal year.

A record investment of $10.3 billion is allocated for public health over the next four years, which includes funding for 9,000 new health workers. The budget also commits $3.6 billion for hospital construction and upgrades in areas like Rouse Hill and Bankstown, alongside a $400 million maintenance initiative.

Education funding has seen an increase, with $9.2 billion designated for the construction of new schools and upgrades to existing facilities. This includes new primary schools in Sydney’s western suburbs and significant upgrades to schools like Nangamay Public School.

Infrastructure improvements are also a priority, with $300 million earmarked for upgrades to busy roads in Sydney’s west. Additionally, $130 million will be allocated to enhance national parks, including repairs to facilities damaged by severe weather events. The budget also addresses environmental concerns with $195 million for conservation efforts, including protecting at-risk species like koalas.