NSW BUDGET

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has said she is disappointed by the NSW State Budget, released today.

“The state will see a $17.6 billion tax hike – a massive $5.5 billion in 2023/24 alone. Vital cost of living measures are being cut, meaning more pressure on household budgets.

“The Budget leaves behind hard-working families struggling under Labor’s cost of living crisis, and instead rewards Labor’s union mates for their support during the election.

“Yass Water, for all of Labor’s campaigning before the election, is the exact same amount that the NSW Liberal Government allocated last year – Labor has not provided a dollar more.

“While two million dollars to upgrade Moss Vale Fire Station is there, one million dollars towards noise mitigation at Wakefield Park is allocated but well short of the five million dollars promised by the Liberal Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Furthermore, $250,000 has been allocated towards a Yass Hospital feasibility study which I am seeking clarity on. What does it mean, does the Labor Government needs to understand if the hospital is feasible? Or was this just another example of an ill thought out headline for their election campaign.

“While for the state there is a $350 million Regional Trust fund and $250 million Working Regions fund – each of these programs fall short in comparison to the Stronger Country Communities and Community Building Partnership programs – which are nowhere to be seen. Additionally, there is little clarity around the parameters, goals and eligibility requirements of these programs.

“While I am pleased to see additional funding for our regional Councils to allocate towards roads – that will be most welcome – there is no funding for Moss Vale Bypass.

“I think that this budget is full of smoke and mirrors, most of it is funding that has been previously announced but I am happy to see there are no cuts to funding for the Goulburn Police Station, Goulburn Police Academy upgrades, the prison bed capacity program.

“I will continue advocating for our community, ensuring we receive our fair share and holding the Labor Government to account.” Mrs Tuckerman pledged.