2019-20 NSW Budget Snapshot

Written by Ilsa Bird, Sector Support Coordinator

The 2019-20 NSW Budget was announced on 18 June 2019. Below is a summary of the funding allocations that are relevant to providers and clients.

• $8.4 million in 2019-20 ($32.5 million over four years) to multicultural community organisations to support the construction and refurbishment of aged care facilities and senior support centres
• $3 billion towards 8,300 new frontline health workers over the next four years. This encompasses:
  • 5,000 nurses and midwives
  • 100 palliative care nurses
  • 1,060 doctors and specialists
  • 800 allied health workers
  • 1,360 support staff
  • $4.1 million in 2019-20 ($13.9 million over four years) to establish the Ageing and Disability Commissioner to better protect the elderly and people with a disability from the risk of neglect and exploitation
• Introduction of the new Senior Savers Card to all NSW residents over the age of 60, providing more people with access to discounts on products and services provided through the Seniors Card program.
• Introduction of 20 additional rebates and savings schemes targeting NSW Seniors, such as the $200 self-funded retiree energy rebate
• Hopes of finding a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI) will be substantially increased by a $15 million investment in research for funding over 5 years
• $20 million NSW Government program delivered by Mission Australia helping people leaving health facilities avoid homelessness as part of a $1 billion investment to tackle homelessness over four years.

The 2019-20 Budget Papers can be accessed here.