Today’s NSW State Budget is a bust for the inner west, said Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen.

The Budget:-

Fails to fund upgrades of our already crammed schools, including Ashbury and Wilkins Public schools;

• Ignores the critically-needed accessibility upgrade for Lewisham train station;
• Doubles down on toll-roads including the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link;
• Short-changes Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, with no money for construction and only $5 million for “planning future works” in 2019-2020 shared with multiple other hospitals;
• Overlooks local road upgrades as the M4 East opens, meaning residents will be stuck in their cars for longer;
• Cuts over 2,500 public sector jobs.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet pointedly refused to rule out further privatisation earlier in the week.

Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill

“The Budget is a bust for the inner west, with the Government throwing money at polluting toll-roads and private rail projects instead of the local services we depend on.

“There is no money for local schools, despite our classrooms bursting at the seams; no money for upgrading local roads, despite the onslaught of rat running when the M4 East opens in a few months’ time; and no money for upgrading Lewisham train station.

“Despite promises of a substantial upgrade for Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, only $5 million has been allocated in 2019-2020 for future planning in hospitals across the State. It’s not good enough.”