Essential workers benefit from Budget boost

Unions NSW has strongly endorsed the NSW Government’s decision to increase coal royalties so it can fund the attraction and retention of essential workers. From July 1, 2024, the new rate for open cut mining will increase 8.2 per cent to 10.8 per cent, while the rate for underground mining will increase from 7.2 per cent to 9.8 per cent. The rate for deep underground mining will also rise from 6.2 per cent to 8.8 per cent. The move is expected to raise $2.7 billion – money that will be invested into schools, hospitals, emergency and other essential services, to help NSW tackle its attraction and retention crisis. “The resources of this State belong to all of us and should be reinvested in giving NSW the world class schools, hospitals and essential services we deserve,” said Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW. “For 12 years the Liberals strangled our essential services by imposing a wage cap which forced health workers, teachers, police, firefighters and other essential workers to seek a decent and affordable life interstate. “Rebuilding those services requires commitment and resources. It is reassuring to see the Government has a robust plan to raise the revenue needed for essential services.”