Uniting NSW.ACT's CEO, Mrs Tracey Burton said:
"With less than a year until the next election, this Budget was an opportunity for the NSW Government to show voters it is determined to tackle the root causes of disadvantage and invest in stronger, more resilient communities.
While it includes targeted investments in some key areas, it misses the chance to invest more deeply in the early intervention that is proven to prevent crisis, strengthen families and reduce long-term costs to government.
"At Uniting, we are people who look after people and we know NSW families need support before they reach crisis point. The government has missed the opportunity to deliver benefits that would have lasted well beyond the next election cycle.
"In a cost-of-living crisis we know more families are needing support and we need to invest earlier."
The priority areas for change we had outlined to the Minns Government were:
Early learning: Sustain and expand Links to Early Learning and strengthen Child and Family Hubs in high-need communities, ensuring children and families can access integrated early learning and support services.
Reducing children in out-of-home care: Invest in proven early intervention, family preservation and therapeutic restoration programs that strengthen families, reduce entries into care and improve outcomes for children.
Young people leaving out-of-home care: Expand evidence-based transition programs that provide housing stability, life skills and pathways to education and employment for young people leaving care.
Mental health for seniors: Fund community-based mental health services for older Australians through Local Health Districts and trusted providers with expertise in mental health and ageing.
Drug law reform: Fully fund a whole-of-government Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy, including treatment, harm reduction, diversion, prevention, workforce development and evaluation.
Climate change: $3 million over two years to maintain continuity of support and strengthen resilience for communities impacted by climate disasters.
"These are practical, evidence-based investments that would improve lives today while reducing costs to government in the future."
Uniting's 2026-2027 Pre-Budget Submission to the NSW Government
