Fast rail axed in $2.5bn budget cuts – as it happened

Go-it-alone approach to building network between Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong shelved entirely. This blog is now closed

• NSW Labor pledges $2.2bn for housing and infrastructure in first budget in a decade
• Analysis: Labor points to decade of neglect' but lack of housing showstopper may leave voters underwhelmed

Sydney casino bailout to cost government $432m in lost revenue

The Minns government's decision to bail out Sydney's embattled The Star casino is set to cost it nearly half a billion dollars in lost revenue over the next four years.

As cost-of-living pressures ramp up and the affordable housing crisis grows, we need urgent, increased investment in front-line supports such as neighbourhood centres, tenants advice, domestic violence services, financial counselling and mental health supports.

We acknowledge the significant financial pressures the NSW government is currently under, but this budget does not do enough to help those barely hanging on.