Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will hand down a fresh budget for the state on June 18, and – just like last year – he’s promising it’ll be one of restraint and balance.
That’s because NSW has been dealt an unenviable blow: the federal commission that divides up GST income for each state has given us $1.9 billion less than it did the previous financial year.
Add to that the unfortunate accounting error that saw the state count the huge Sydney property sales twice, at a cost of $1 billion, and there’s not as much cash to play with.
Mookhey will reveal the full breakdown of the state’s finances on Tuesday. But we’ve already been given a few hints about what to expect.
Here’s everything we know about what’s in the 2024 NSW budget (this list will be updated daily):
Transport
The long-awaited second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail will begin construction before the next election.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Culture and entertainment
The winning design for Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.Credit: Wendell Teodoro
- The Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner will be given a $26.9 million boost to focus on regulatory reform and other initiatives to support the night-time economy, and Sound NSW will get $18.5 million to support live music artists and venues.
- The state government will contribute $40 million to redevelop the Riverside Theatre into a 1500-seat “Broadway-style” theatre, a 760-seat playhouse theatre, and a 424-seat black-box theatre.
- $10 million will be spent in a joint effort with Inner West Council and the federal government to upgrade the ailing Leichhardt Oval.
The Sydney Morning Herald will bring you every detail of the NSW budget when it is handed down at noon on Tuesday.
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