The NSW Government's latest Budget delivers a broad mix of cost-of-living relief, workforce investment, and industry support measures, with a clear focus on easing household pressure while continuing to build workforce capacity and accelerate housing and energy transition priorities. 

Key budget measures include:

Cost-of-Living Relief  

1. $100 off private vehicle registration for the next 12 months (excluding caravans and trailers) 
2. Weekly toll to be capped to $50 for the next 12 months 
3. Energy efficiency upgrade schemes through an additional $7.2 million to help households and businesses save energy and reduce bills, particularly in regional areas. 

Electrification  

1. Lower household energy costs through $480.0 million in interest-free loans and $77.1 million in discounts under the Home Energy Saver program. 

Skills 

1. $3.4 billion in skills and TAFE 
2. $233.2m in capital investment upgrades, maintenance and revitalisation for TAFE facilities 
3. A $100 vehicle registration rebate for registered first- and second-year apprentices. 
4. Subsidised vocational education and training for in-demand skills through the Smart and Skilled program. 
5. Travel and accommodation support for apprentices and new entrant trainees who need to travel more than 120 km (round trip) for training. 

Housing 

1. EOI to establish a Modern Methods of Construction facility  
2. $32.3m to fund improved building approvals system, MMC regulatory framework and pilots of enhanced dispute resolution and trialling AI to streamline licensing. 

Small Business 

1. Legislated workers compensation reforms, including a two-year premium rate freeze, avoiding $4.1 billion of forecast insurance cost growth. 
2. Quicker and more efficient resolution of workplace disputes with $20.8 million for the Industrial Relations Commission. 
3. Up to $77 billion in private investment supported through the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, supporting thousands of construction and ongoing jobs across regional NSW. 
4. A $37.0 million small business advisory program to succeed Business Connect. 
5. For the first time in NSW, a new Local Jobs First Commission will support the government to prioritise local workers and businesses in government procurement, backed by $6.4 million in funding. 

MEA commends the NSW Government's commitment to supporting skills development, household electrification and small business operations. While these are positive steps, MEA will continue to advocate for further key priorities for our members, including increased financial support for employers hiring apprentices and additional cost-of-doing-business relief for small businesses operating in a challenging economic environment. 

You can read more about the budget here.