Thread by @LukeCostin

PBO budget statements are out

Compared to pre-budget economic update (March 8), NSW budget deficit/surplus
* $97m better off under coalition to 25/26
* $1.4b better off under Labor to 25/26

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1/n

Net borrowing grows under coalition, decreases under Labor

Both parties' biggest saving measures are from reducing amount of labour hire and senior executives

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2/n

Of note are the forecasts for the Kids Future Fund, Opal cap reduction, education funding boost and safe staffing for hospitals

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3/n

Kids Future Fund:
* costs $255m in third year, without anyone aged 13-18 in it

* every year after that, cost increases ≈$28m

* assumes 22% kids don't take it up, based on active kids voucher takeup

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4/n

Opal cap reduction

* starts May 1 but TfNSW says changing that quickly "very difficult"

*stops June 30, 2024, meaning cap back to $50

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5/n