The Budget will improve the lives of our people and communities, build prosperity and create opportunity for everyone. Following unprecedented challenges since 2020, the NSW Government is committed to supporting families in reducing the cost of living and improving their quality of life.

The NSW Government will continue building a robust economy that propels prosperity for decades to come by supporting families, investing in communities and strengthening our frontline services.

Boosting household budgets

The global economy is experiencing substantial inflationary pressures because of COVID-19-related supply chain constraints and disrupted international energy markets caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The NSW Government is addressing these issues through $7.2 billion in 2022-23 in cost-of-living support. In this Budget, new measures introduced amount to $2.2 billion over four years and include:

  • $1.3 billion for the Brighter Beginnings Affordable Preschool initiative to provide fee relief for families with children across the community and mobile preschool and long day-care sectors.

  • $520.0 million over two years to deliver the new broad-based Toll Rebate Scheme where, every quarter, eligible non-business and small business customers will receive a 40 per cent cash rebate for every dollar spent on tolls once they have reached a minimum of $375, saving NSW drivers up to $750 a year.

  • $193.0 million for the Back to School Subsidy, providing $150 to every NSW schoolchild towards the cost of school supplies in 2023.

  • $128.0 million for the Energy Bill Buster program over eight years to help eligible households reduce their gas and electricity bills by providing technology solutions, including solar panels and high-efficiency appliances.

  • $98.0 million for a two-year pilot of a $250 prepaid Regional Apprentice and Uni Travel Card for university students and apprentices in regional New South Wales each year to ease the cost of travel.

Investing in our public sector

  • An increase in remuneration to public sector employees of 3.0 per cent in each of the next two years. An additional 0.5 per cent is on offer in 2023-24, where productivity improvements can be delivered and the cost of the increase can be absorbed.

  • $3,000 payment to NSW Health employees in recognition of their work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Providing five days of paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other NSW public sector workers.