| NSW Government Delivers on Education, Transport and Cost-of-Living Relief |
** “From permanent teaching jobs to safer train stations and toll relief,
these measures are designed to give families greater security, better
services and fairer support in their daily lives.”
|
NSW Government Delivers on Education, Transport and Cost-of-Living Relief
15/06/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The NSW Labor Government has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at strengthening public education, improving transport accessibility, easing cost-of-living pressures and balancing fairness with road safety.
In public education, the government has exceeded its 2023 election commitment to make 16,000 teachers and support staff permanent, with more than 25,000 now moved into secure roles across NSW. This includes 294 teachers and support staff in the Granville electorate. The government says the move is part of its broader plan to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a qualified teacher in every classroom.
The education reforms are being supported by a record $9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools and preschools, the biggest teacher pay rise in a generation, teacher vacancies falling to a 12-year low, and a significant reduction in merged and cancelled classes.
In transport, long-awaited accessibility upgrades are set to be delivered at Yennora Station.
The NSW Government has committed funding to make the station safer and more accessible for people with disability, seniors, parents with prams and daily commuters. The upgrades will include new lifts, a new station building, kiss-and-ride facilities, improved entrances and forecourts, better lighting, CCTV, signage, accessible toilets and parking. The works will be funded through the government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport Program.
The government is also making the $60 weekly toll cap permanent. Drivers in the Granville electorate have already saved more than $11.6 million through the scheme, with eligible motorists receiving an average rebate of $469 per claim. Since its introduction, more than $284 million has been returned to Sydney motorists, including millions in claims across Merrylands, Granville, Wentworthville, Westmead, South Wentworthville, Merrylands West and Guildford West.
The government has also announced proposed reforms for people who legally use prescribed medicinal cannabis. Under the proposed changes, eligible patients would be able to register with Transport for NSW, provide proof of a valid prescription and complete an online education program. Roadside drug testing would continue, and serious penalties would remain in place for impaired driving.
The reforms aim to create a fairer system for lawful medicinal cannabis patients while maintaining strong protections for road safety.
|
