with Hugh McDermott MP

As we enter into spring the Minns Labor Government is getting on with our comprehensive plan to build a better NSW . In our local electorate of Prospect and across Western Sydney , we know families are doing it tough , which is why we can celebrate the recent NSW Budget as a win for our local community .

Earlier this year , I spoke in Parliament in support of the $ 60 weekly Toll Cap , which has already proven to provide significant relief to our families across Western Sydney . This cost-of-living relief will return more than $ 560 million to our motorists over the next two years .

That means there ’ s more relief for our local Prospect electorate community in the months ahead – claims are now open for toll spend periods 1 April to 30 June 2024 . I ’ m pleased that more than 36,000 Western Sydney residents have claimed an average of $ 245 in the first quarter of 2024 alone .

The Minns Labor Government has also tackled cost-of-living relief through our Start Strong program , proving fee relief to families with children in preschool . When children participate in structured , playbased learning before they start school , they build the key skills they need to

support lifelong learning .

Across our Western Sydney community , this is especially important for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage , who benefit the most from preschool . For children in community and mobile preschools , families can now save up to $ 4,220 a year for eligible 3 to 5-yearolds , while families can save up to $ 2,110 a year for eligible children aged 4 and above in long day care .

Hand in hand with this cost-of-living relief , it ’ s been truly amazing to see schools , hospitals , sporting clubs , early learning centres and charities based in our local Prospect electorate all receive funding in the Budget , as well as from a range of government grant programs .

As part of the Minns Labor Government ’ s plan to rebuild public education , the Budget delivers record education funding , including $ 35.8 million in major upgrades at Girraween Public School . The new 3-storey building with 38 permanent classrooms , extensions to existing buildings , school hall and upgraded amenities all mean the school will now deliver modern learning spaces for our students and meet enrolment growth . This will ensure that our kids have access to a world class public education into the future .

Also in the Budget is a $ 120 million investment in the Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals redevelopment , which will add another 60 beds and boost capacity to meet the growing health needs in Western Sydney . This is part of a $ 700 million commitment for the expansion of Grantham Heights . Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals over two stages .

In the latest round of the Prospect electorate community grants , it ’ s been fantastic to see recipients of a wide range of grant programs from community groups . Two fine examples are Grantham Heights Early Learning Seven Hills , receiving $ 39,457 from the Prospect Electorate Community Building Partnership Grant program for muchneeded foyer refurbishments , painting and flooring , while AquaBlitz Toongabbie Swim Club , based at the Royal Life Saving Aquatic Academy , Seven Hills

received $ 3,239.50 as part of the Prospect Electorate Local Sport Grant program .

These grants help keep our community connected with one another , and it ’ s great to celebrate important milestones and achievements with each of our local organisations .

We ’ ve made a lot of progress on last year , but there ’ s much more to do . My colleagues and I in the Minns Labor Government will continue to make responsible , better choices on how and where we spend your public money , to ensure that we build a better NSW for all .