NSW Government focussed on supporting jobs

16 June 2009

The NSW Government has delivered a Budget focussed on investing in better hospitals, schools and roads and supporting jobs, Premier Nathan Rees said today.

Mr Rees said the 2009-10 Budget confirms a massive investment in infrastructure of $62.9 billion over the next four years, which will support up to 160,000 jobs a year.

“This Budget invests in jobs,” Mr Rees said.

“It confirms the NSW Government’s singular focus –supporting jobs across the State.

“In the face of a global recession, the NSW Budget is investing in a better future for NSW.

“I am determined to see NSW come out of the financial crisis in a stronger position than we went in.”
In addition to the NSW Government’s investment in hospitals, roads and schools other job supporting measures in this year’s Budget include:

• The NSW Housing Construction Acceleration Plan will provide a 50 per cent cut to stamp duty per dwelling for all newly-constructed dwellings up to the value of $600,000 purchased in NSW from July 1 to December 31, 2009 – a saving of up to $11,245 per dwelling for people buying property, including investors (but excluding first home buyers).
• The $35 million NSW Community Building Partnership will support local jobs, stimulate growth and improve community facilities: $300,000 will be invested in each of the 93 NSW electoral districts, with an additional $100,000 for districts with higher unemployment.
• Up to $200 million in interest-free loans to NSW councils to fast-track local infrastructure projects;
• $3 million boosts to the Illawarra and Hunter Advantage Funds to attract jobs to the regions;
• The scrapping of the booking fee for CountryLink pensioner excursion tickets to encourage tourism;
• The introduction of $1 fares for children under 16 travelling with an adult on CountryLink to encourage more families to travel to country NSW.

The NSW Budget also invests in better services, including:

• A record Health budget of $15.1 billion including state-wide funding of $117 million to deliver the Caring Together Health Action Plan for NSW to help doctors, nurses and allied health staff focus on patient care;
• A record Education budget of $14.7 billion an indication of the Government’s commitment to give our state’s students the greatest opportunity in reaching their potential; and
• A record Transport budget of $7.1 billion including a commuter ferry for Parramatta and additional commuter car parks.