NSW Budget's social housing program to improve lives
The NSW Government’s largest ever social housing program is a $5.1 billion investment in improving lives and building a stronger and safer community, the Centre for Western Sydney said.
The Centre’s executive director, Professor Andy Marks said Treasurer Daniel Mookhey had balanced fiscal constraints with a suite of targeted spending priorities that will ease the pressure on struggling families.
“This is a budget for the times. With the backdrop of a cost-of-living squeeze, the Treasurer has moved to make it easier for the people of NSW, especially those in western Sydney at the centre of the housing crisis,’’ Professor Marks said.
“The Treasurer has reset the government’s narrative, delivering a traditional Labor budget that returns the focus to the issues that matter most to families: housing, health and education.
“We fully back the decision to build 8,400 new homes for social housing, including 6,200 new buildings and the rebuild of 2,200 homes. For many people, this will be their first home in years and we particularly support that priority will be given to women and children fleeing domestic violence,’’ Professor Marks said.
The NSW Government will also spend $1 billion to repair 35,500 social housing homes and there is additional money towards emergency housing and homelessness support services. It has pledged to deliver up to 30,000 new homes, including through the release of land to developers to support 21,000 homes.
For the first time, the NSW Government has taken steps to lift GP bulk billing rates, traditionally a federal responsibility. In an innovative policy move, NSW will incentivise bulk billing through payroll tax exemptions and an ongoing tax rebate worth about $190 million.
Upgrades to hospitals and health facilities and key health worker housing worth $13.4 billion and programs to recruit and retain key workers are critical budget measures. The government sets aside $8.9 billion for new schools and upgrades, including a new public primary and high school in Box Hill.
“The Treasurer is right to criticise changes to GST distribution,’’ Professor Marks said.
“The Centre for Western Sydney is urging a national rethink on the GST carve-up to ensure places like western Sydney that do the economic heavy lifting don’t miss out on vital resources.
“The people of Fairfield and Campbelltown should not be supporting those living in Toorak in Victoria and Cottesloe in Perth.’’
The Centre welcomes the $2.1 billion commitment to begin construction of the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail and the $5.2 billion upgrade to crucial roads in western Sydney, including federal money. Significantly, the investment in freight routes to service the nation’s first new international airport in 100 years will help accelerate development in western Sydney.
ENDS
18 June 2024
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