The 2024 NSW budget included several green shoots for members and working people struggling with the housing crisis.
The NSW budget, handed down on Tuesday 18 June, included funding for 100 new public preschools, reflecting the NSW government’s recognition of the importance of early childhood education and care.
“We note that community-based preschools are also big providers in this sector and we look forward to the NSW government’s support for teachers and educators achieving fair pay and conditions through our supported bargaining application,” said IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews (read article).
The budget also included provisions for pay increases for public sector workers. “We welcome the government’s wage offer of 10.5% over three years for public sector staff as a good starting point for negotiations,” Matthews said, as salary increases in this sector have a flow-on effect, particularly in Catholic systemic schools.
The NSW government also announced it would invest $450 million to build 400 apartments for workers in frontline services, including teaching, nursing and policing. The build-to-rent homes will be available at a subsidised rate to attract and retain workers who have been priced out of living near where they work due to soaring rents.
“Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of NSW, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households, particularly for essential workers,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“NSW would grind to a halt without nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters, but many can’t afford a place to live in Sydney, close to where they work. This has to change.”
Over the next three years, the NSW government’s residential development arm, Landcom, will build the dwellings across four sites in areas close to the city and key services. The funding from the state government will go towards the costs of land acquisition as well as construction.
“The IEU also supports the government’s housing initiatives, including housing for essential workers and women and children escaping domestic violence,” Matthews said.
Construction on the first site is expected to begin in early 2026 and finish in 2027. Details on the application program and subsidies will be available closer to 2027.