NSW Treasurer Matt Kean stumped over key election question

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean appeared unable to address a crucial issue related to one of his government’s key election promises.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean appeared unable to answer a crucial question related to the government’s Kid’s Future Fund election promise – a query Premier Dominic Perrottet had already confirmed.

Mr Kean was grilled over whether border NSW families with children born in interstate hospitals in Queensland, Victoria or the ACT will be able to access long-term Kid’s Future Fund savings accounts.

The major policy pitch involves kids being able to access up to $49,000 once they turn 18, with the state promising to match family contributions of up to $400 a year.

“Those details are available but my understanding is that people living in NSW are eligible,” he said.

When prompted further, Mr Kean deferred the question to Mr Perrottet. However, reporters continued to quiz the Treasurer on the policy detail.

“This is signature policy, have you not talked it through?” a reporter asked.

“This is about ensuring our kids’ financial security; those details will be talked about publicly,” Mr Kean responded.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean wasn’t able to answer a question about the government’s Future Fund policy. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

His confusion comes the day after the Premier fielded similar questions on Tuesday, when Mr Perrottet simply responded with “yes” when asked if children had to be born in NSW to access the fund.

NCA NewsWire understands there will be provisions so families can still access the Future Fund as long as they primarily live in NSW and lived in NSW at the time of the child’s birth.

During a 9News leaders debate on Wednesday, Mr Perrottet also said families moving interstate to NSW would also not be eligible to access the fund.

Shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookhey took the opportunity to berate Mr Kean.

“If the government can’t explain their policy before the election, no one should trust them to implement it after the election,” he said.

NSW Labor has been scathing of the Future Fund, criticising the proposed bank accounts scheme for disadvantaging low-income families.

“It is clear this policy offers the least help the families who need the most,” he said.

“Our priority is to put every spare dollar we have towards fixing our schools, fixing hospitals and making sure that critical services are up to scratch.”

Originally published as NSW Treasurer Matt Kean stumped over key election question