The Minns Labor Government’s 2026–27 State Budget fails to address the real challenges facing regional communities.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said that while the Government points to broad statewide spending, local communities across the Goulburn electorate are not seeing the targeted infrastructure and support they urgently need.
The Budget includes $910.9 million to repair roads damaged by natural disasters and broader transport commitments across the state, but Mrs Tuckerman said this falls short of addressing the estimated $3 billion regional infrastructure backlog.
Mrs Tuckerman pointed to the Treasurer’s admission that regional infrastructure investment has stalled, blaming federal funding cuts.
“This is nothing more than poor negotiation between state and federal Labor,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Our regional road network is deteriorating, and this Budget does nothing to get ahead of the problem.”
Mrs Tuckerman highlighted the lack of investment in critical local projects, including the Moss Vale bypass where millions has been spent getting the project shovel-ready to unlock housing and business opportunities for the Southern Highlands – yet Labor has ignored it completely,” she said.
She said the Budget also fails to address broader economic pressures facing families and regional communities.
“Labor is collecting more tax than ever, yet they’re 40 per cent behind on their own housing targets and there is no support for the local infrastructure councils need to deliver new homes,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Families are working harder than ever but feel like they are going backwards.
“Since coming into government Labor has increased taxes by 31% – this Budget adds an additional 16% on top of that in the forward estimates, totalling a 39.5% tax increase by 27/28, yet people and businesses aren’t seeing the relief or support they need.”
Mrs Tuckerman said the lack of new announcements for the Goulburn electorate was deeply disappointing.
“Furthermore, small businesses – the backbone of regional economies – have been completely abandoned in this Budget. Over 6,200 businesses closed their doors last financial year, yet there is little here to relieve the pressure of rising operating costs, red tape, and declining consumer confidence.
“Small businesses are the engine of local jobs and growth, but instead of support, they’re facing higher costs and more uncertainty.
“This Budget ignores their reality and fails to back the very people keeping regional NSW afloat.
“There is very little here that directly and immediately benefits the people of the Goulburn electorate,” she said.
Mrs Tuckerman said the Budget highlights a broader failure by the Labor Government to deliver a long-term vision for the state. In contrast, she said the NSW Liberals and Nationals have a clear plan to support regional
communities through the Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, ensuring 25 per cent of infrastructure funding is directed to regional NSW.
“This Budget shows Labor doesn’t have a plan for regional NSW – whether it’s building the infrastructure we need, easing cost-of-living pressures, or getting the state moving again,” she said.
