The NSW Nationals have slammed the Minns Labor Government’s Budget, saying it confirms that NSW is going backwards and Labor has no plan to grow the economy, support families or back business and jobs.
Labor’s fourth Budget reveals:
• NSW is entering a per capita recession, with economic growth forecast at 1% while population increase is forecast to be 1.1%
• Labor will never deliver a budget surplus; despite promising a surplus by 2024-25 before the last election Labor has not delivered a budget surplus during its term.
• Taxes are up by 31% since Labor came to power, with every NSW family paying $3,500 more in state taxes per year, and stamp duty and payroll tax takes at record highs.
• No new major infrastructure projects and a shrinking pipeline, with funding down every year.
• No measures to address housing supply at a time when Labor is 40 per cent behind its National Housing Accord targets
Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said regional communities were being left behind.
“Regional NSW has always been a key driver of our state’s success, but too often communities are being asked to do more while receiving less,” Mr Singh said.
“Whether it is infrastructure delays, housing shortages, energy policy or essential services, regional communities deserve their fair share and deserve to be heard, but under Labor they are simply ignored.”
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said after more than three years in office, Labor has failed to provide the vision and leadership needed to help NSW reach its potential.
“This Budget confirms what families and businesses already know – Labor has no plan to help people get ahead and no plan to grow our state’s economy,” Ms Sloane said.
“Families are working harder than ever but too many are going backwards, meanwhile businesses are facing rising costs and a government that is taking more off them in payroll tax.”
“NSW should be leading the nation, but under Labor we have the weakest economic growth in Australia, declining business confidence and cost of living support that is too little, too late.”
“This Budget should have been about restoring confidence and setting a clear direction for our state’s future. Instead, it confirms Labor has run out of ideas for NSW.”
