The NSW Liberals and Nationals have unveiled a package of proposed cost-of-living measures, tax cuts and infrastructure commitments they say will form the centrepiece of their campaign to return to government at the next state election.
The announcement was welcomed by Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston, who said families and businesses across the region were facing increasing financial pressure under the current Labor Government.
"Families across Hawkesbury are paying the price for Labor's poor economic management, working harder than ever but finding it harder to get ahead," Ms Preston said.
"Many local businesses throughout our region are being forced to reduce staff or close their doors, investment in building for the future has stalled, and people are paying more for less."
The Opposition's plan focuses on three key areas: reducing household costs, encouraging business investment and delivering infrastructure.
Registration Rebate
Among the headline commitments is a $100 annual rebate on vehicle registration, providing direct cost-of-living relief for motorists.
The Coalition also says it would seek to reduce electricity prices by increasing energy supply, improving energy security and generating more electricity closer to where it is used, reducing reliance on major transmission infrastructure.
For regional residents, the Liberals and Nationals have also pledged to reinstate the Regional Seniors Travel Card, which provided eligible seniors with financial assistance to offset the cost of travelling to access essential services.
Payroll Tax Changes
The Opposition says it will make New South Wales the most competitive state for payroll tax by raising the payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Businesses with an Australian payroll of less than $10 million would also benefit from a reduction in the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent.
The thresholds would also be indexed annually in line with inflation to prevent businesses being pushed into higher tax brackets through bracket creep.
The Coalition argues the changes would encourage investment, support business expansion and create new jobs.
Infrastructure Commitments
The Opposition has also outlined several major infrastructure commitments, including:
- Negotiating a new Western Sydney City Deal with the Commonwealth.
- Continuing Sydney's metro expansion by progressing a Metro for South Western Sydney.
- Introducing a Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, committing at least 25 per cent of all new infrastructure spending to regional New South Wales.
While Hawkesbury was not specifically mentioned in the announcement, Ms Preston said the proposed Regional Infrastructure Guarantee would help ensure regional communities received a greater share of government investment.
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals have a practical plan to help families get ahead and stay ahead, support businesses to grow and create jobs, and build a stronger future for our state," she said.
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals will back families, support local businesses, create jobs and build the infrastructure people across Hawkesbury need for the future."
Labor Yet to Respond
The policy package forms part of the Coalition's platform ahead of the next NSW State Election.
The NSW Government had not responded to the Coalition's latest proposals at the time of publication.
The Hawkesbury Gazette will provide readers with any response from the NSW Labor Government or local Labor representatives should one become available.
