NSW Budget 2026‑27 Announces Transport Relief, Health Funding and Surplus Goal

The 2026‑27 New South Wales budget allocates $133 billion to core services, with health spending set at $36.3 billion, education at $26.2 billion and transport at $17.4 billion. A $561 million transport‑affordability package will temporarily cut the weekly road‑toll cap to $50, freeze Opal fares for 12 months and reduce vehicle‑registration fees by $100. Treasury expects a $2.3 billion deficit in 2026‑27 but projects a $1.1 billion surplus in 2027‑28, saying “We are on track to deliver a $1.1 billion surplus in 2027‑28,” Treasury Minister Daniel Mookhey stated. The budget also raises domestic‑violence funding by $184.1 million over four years, expands payroll‑tax revenue as private investment drives growth, and forecasts only 1 % economic growth for the next two years, with unemployment at 4.5 %. Mining royalties are expected to rise to $3.4 billion, while small‑business leaders warn the plan offers modest relief amid higher payroll taxes. Regional officials in the Hunter area say the budget falls short of unlocking the region’s full economic potential. Overall, the budget balances cost‑of‑living measures with long‑term infrastructure spending while aiming to return the state to fiscal surplus after eight consecutive deficits.