Worsening NSW budget likely to force post-election rethink of pledges

Samantha HutchinsonNational reporter

Mar 9, 2023 – 5.02pm

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NSW’s worsening finances are likely to force the next government to shelve or delay a number of pre-election promises, according to economists, after new accounts revealed the state’s deficit had grown to $12 billion and an uncertain outlook for projects which have only been partially funded.

Just 16 days out from the NSW election, the Perrottet government’s pre-election budget update revealed the state’s deficit has grown by $670 million in a month, while sagging coal prices have shaved $560 million off forecast royalty revenues.

Samantha Hutchinson is the AFR's National Reporter. Most recently, she was CBD columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Before that, she covered Victorian and NSW politics and business for The Australian, the AFR and BRW Magazine.