NSW Labor is off to the polls with confidence, but there’s a $1.1b catch

June 23, 2026 — 3:30pm

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Click here for live coverage of the 2026 state budget.

Daniel Mookhey’s fourth budget is a sign of confidence heading into the state election next year, and a subtle message to voters that NSW Labor is a different beast from its counterparts across the country.

Compared with other states, such as Victoria, which spent more than $1 billion on cost-of-living measures, the $561.4 million cost-of-living package is limited. A $10 weekly cut to the toll cap, $100 discount on car rego fees and a cap on Opal charges, while welcome, isn’t going to make heads spin.

That’s sort of the point. Labor knew it had to provide support for voters after the triple threat impact of an oil price shock, consecutive interest rate increases and inflation.

But they believe their strongest card to play leading into next year is a reputation for sound financial management.

So they will........

© The Sydney Morning Herald