Artificial intelligence taking on mundane jobs to make the public sector more “efficient” and better first-home buyers boosts have been promised in response to Australia’s largest state budget.
The alternative government has promised to be “transformational” if elected, criticising the latest NSW budget as vague amid concerns over a near-$1 billion pot to cover non-specific emergencies.
The budget failed to deliver bold visions or ambitious projects befitting of Australia’s economic powerhouse, the state’s opposition leader says.
Liberal Mark Speakman told parliament an elected coalition would consider payroll tax changes for businesses, expand artificial intelligence use and offer low-interest loans for businesses to do the same.
“There are mundane jobs that can be done by AI,” Mr Speakman said.
“It will make the public service more efficient, and you’ll get more out of public servants.”
More spending on preventative health measures would reduce hospitalisations while infrastructure investment would support housing supply.
A short-lived policy would be revived to allow first-home buyers to avoid stamp duty by paying annual land tax instead, Mr Speakman said.
First-home buyers lost the land tax option – covering homes up to $1.5 million – when Labor expanded stamp duty exemptions and concessions in 2023.
While coy about other policies for the March 2027 election, Mr Speakman said they would make NSW a place where every family can afford to live, raise children and access the services they need.
Speaking to AAP before the budget reply speech, he slammed Labor Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s third budget as based on “dubious assumptions” and “phoney” projections of a surplus.
Addressing the Liberals’ electability after a bruising federal loss in May, he echoed federal leader Sussan Ley’s vow to represent “modern Australia”.
Mr Speakman said he wanted to lure young voters back to the party by addressing their concerns.
“You focus on the things that matter to the vast majority of citizens in NSW, which are cost of living, housing, good services, good schools for kids, public transport you can rely on,” he told AAP.
The opposition has also turned its attention to a “special appropriation” to the treasurer of more than $868 million contained in the budget.
It more than doubles similar funding in the previous budget and covers contingencies, expenses related to election commitments and essential services.
Mr Mookhey told parliament the allocation was a standard request, also made by previous governments and disputed the coalition’s characterisation as a “slush fund”.
Parliamentary members could examine the events of May, when widespread flooding occurred in the state, and reach their own conclusion about why the allocation increased, he said.
Shadow treasurer Damien Tudehope told reporters there were contingency funds for natural disasters in the previous budget and more information should be revealed about the allocation’s purpose.
“There is no transparency,” he said.
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