A Minns Labor Government will increase funding to Surf Life Saving NSW, committing an extra $23 million over 4 years.

The funding commitment represents a yearly increase of $5.75 million.

In 2021/22 there were 55 drowning deaths recorded, the highest since records began. While twenty-eight people have drowned at New South Wales beaches in the last three months (Dec 2022-March 23).

The extra funding would deliver extra equipment and allow for communications upgrades across the state to allow Surf Life Saving to continue their critically important work.

This includes an uplift to the Surf Club Facility; boosting operational response capabilities; and updating emergency response beacons.

Surf Life Saving NSW is one of the largest volunteer organisations of its type in the country with over 75,000 members, also serving as community hubs in coastal towns across the state.

Quotes attributable to Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader:

“New South Wales has the best beaches in the world and we’re incredibly fortunate to have the best surf life savers as well, but we know that they need more resources to continue their work which is why NSW Labor has made this commitment.”

Quotes attributable to Jihad Dib, NSW Shadow Minister for Emergency Services:

“Sadly we saw an increase in drownings this summer, which highlights the need to better equip our NSW Surf Life Saver volunteers to carry out the work they do in making our beaches safe.”

Quotes attributable to Julia Finn, NSW Shadow Minister For Sport:

“Surf Life Saving Clubs are a critical part of the social fabric of so many coastal communities across our state, we know that the extra funding from NSW Labor will allow clubs to improve their existing facilities to retain and hopefully attract even more members.”

CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER

JIHAD DIB MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

JULIA FINN MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT