Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

MEDIA RELEASE

NSW Labor Government's 2024-25 Budget prioritises regional communities

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan welcomed the Minns Labor Government's second budget and while acknowledging it was a tight and difficult budget "the Labor priorities that I have outlined for Monaro are coming through.

"The 2024-25 Budget puts the people of NSW first be investing better healthcare, education, housing, and roads.

"As Jindabyne grows, so does the need for a world-class education campus. That's why the $47.3 million committed by the Minns Labor Government will ensure the Jindabyne Education Campus project can be completed with improved access to the new school facilities.

"This is a critical project which the previous government completely mismanaged. It is years behind schedule and had a business case that left out key infrastructure needed to open the school. An absolute farce.

"The expansion of the Bombala Multipurpose Service was one of my election commitments, and I'm thrilled to see this work commencing with joint funding from both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

"This is another step in solidifying Bombala as a benchmark for how health and aged care should operate in rural and regional NSW, and I'm proud for that benchmark to be in Monaro.

"I made providing services a core part of my election commitment to the people of Monaro and it is exciting to see this Budget restating our commitment to the things that put the essential workers in our public services.

"This comes on top of our recent Key Work Accommodation announcement which provides new homes for 12 essential workers at Cooma Hospital.

"Safe staffing levels for hospitals will gradually roll out, pay rates for teachers and ambulance paramedics are now competitive and we are seeing strong commitments to key worker accommodation. It all combines to overcome the massive staffing shortages left by the Nationals- shortages that directly impacted the quality of local health and education.

"I also welcome the fact that this budget allocates $2.3 million over the next year to upgrade and maintain neglected social housing. Like many local residents, it appals me to see the number of poorly maintained or boarded up vacant Government owned properties, another indictment of the priorities of the former Nationals member."