Cuts to health, education concern NSW

The NSW treasurer is worried he will have to find an extra $1.2 billion in the state's health budget over the next four years due to Commonwealth cuts.

HEALTHCARE_emergency_140513_AAP.jpg

(AAP)

The NSW government is worried by cuts to health and education but has applauded the Commonwealth for investing in the state's infrastructure projects.

"NSW treasury estimates the state is being asked to find an extra $1.2 billion over four years in our health budget," NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance said on Tuesday night.

"The NSW government has major concerns over the Commonwealth's budget, with what appears to be cost-shifting in health and education services."

The state government wants to discuss the "potential impact on service delivery" the "tough blueprint" outlined by federal Treasurer Joe Hockey will have on NSW.

Mr Constance is also concerned about the announced $7 co-payment for every visit to the doctor, saying it could overwhelm the state's already stretched hospital emergency departments.

"We need to have a long and detailed discussion with the Commonwealth about further details regarding this announcement," he said.

But he was happy with the $11.6 billion infrastructure package, which will fund projects including the second stage of WestConnex and Pacific Highway upgrades.

Comment is being sought from the state opposition.

Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon told AAP lower-income earners would be hit the hardest.

"They're going to pay more for their petrol, they're going to be paying more to take their families to the doctors, there's going to be questions around their welfare," he said.

"It's going to make it all the more difficult to make ends meet."

The budget, he said, was the first step towards the abolition of social safety nets, and Medicare was the government's first target.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world