News
25 June, 2026
Mixed reactions as local MP's weigh in on State Budget
Local MPs have delivered mixed verdicts on the NSW State Budget, with independent Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan welcoming cost-of-living relief and key infrastructure funding, while Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman says the Budget fails to deliver for regional communities.
Local MPs have delivered mixed verdicts on the NSW State Budget, with independent Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan welcoming cost-of-living relief and key infrastructure funding, while Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman says the Budget fails to deliver for regional communities.
Mrs Tuckerman said there was "very little" in the Budget that would directly benefit residents across the Goulburn electorate.
"In communities like the Goulburn electorate, small businesses are the engine of local jobs and growth, but instead of support, they're facing higher costs and more uncertainty," she said.
"This Budget ignores their reality and fails to back the very people keeping regional NSW afloat."
Mrs Tuckerman said the Budget highlighted what she described as a lack of long-term vision from the NSW Labor Government.
"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.
She contrasted the Government's approach with the NSW Liberals and Nationals' proposed Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, which would direct 25 per cent of infrastructure funding to regional NSW.
Meanwhile, Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan described the Budget as restrained but said it delivered practical support for households.
"As expected, this was a restrained State Budget with much-needed cost-of-living relief, focusing on fuel and transport savings," she said.
Measures announced include a $100 reduction in vehicle registration, $80 off motorcycle registration, a 12-month freeze on public transport fares at 2025 levels, a reduction in the weekly toll cap from $60 to $50 and the removal of administration fees on toll notices.
Ms Hannan also welcomed continued investment in frontline services, including nurses, teachers, paramedics and domestic violence support services.
She said the Budget also continued funding for important local infrastructure projects, including the Picton Bypass.
"Transport for NSW has allocated $3.065 million to continue planning for the Picton Bypass and the Road Safety program will fund nine school crossing supervisors for the state electorate district of Wollondilly," she said.
Funding will also continue for Wilton Ridge Public School, Wilton High School and the new Menangle Park Public School.
"While there is always more we would like to see for our region, this budget delivers practical support where families need it most and continues investing in the essential services and infrastructure that communities like ours rely on," Ms Hannan said.
She acknowledged further statewide funding had been allocated for programs including social housing and transport initiatives, with detailed allocations still to be announced.
"I often compare it to raising a family. If you've got children sitting around the kitchen table and everyone wants something, you have to make sure the essentials are covered first," she said.
"You buy the shoes and socks for school before you pay for the trip to Disneyland.
"That's what budgets are about. Balancing priorities, addressing immediate needs, and making sure people have the support they need today while continuing to plan for the future."
The Southern Wire reminds readers that the State election will be held in March 2027
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