Up to 40,000 jobs across NSW will be lost under Labor if they cancel critical infrastructure projects in government.
Opposition Leader Chris Minns has already said he would cut:
· Bankstown to Glenfield via Liverpool metro line
· Westmead to the Aerotropolis metro line
· Great Western Highway upgrade from Katoomba to Lithgow
· Northern Beaches Link
· Concord Hospital upgrade stage 2A
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government’s long-term economic plan includes a $116 billion infrastructure pipeline over the next four years, supporting up to 140,000 full-time jobs.
“All that is at risk under a Minns-Mookhey Labor Government that will cut projects and cut jobs. You’ll lose under Labor,” Mr Kean said.
“At a time when the economy is facing headwinds and unemployment is forecast to rise, NSW needs the economic discipline, experience and vision of the Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government.”
Mr Kean said NSW’s unemployment rate is at 3.2 per cent with record low youth unemployment at 7 per cent.
“The two metro rail projects Labor will cancel will slash around 20,000 jobs including up to 4000 apprentice jobs,” Mr Kean said.
“At its peak, the Great Western Highway upgrade would create 3,900 jobs that will be lost under Labor, while up to 15,000 jobs would be lost if the Northern Beaches Link is cancelled. Hundreds of jobs associated with the Concord Hospital upgrade will also be axed.
“Employment in NSW is now at 242,300 above pre-Covid levels and 847,200 above when the Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government first came to office – the most of any state over that period. NSW cannot afford to go backwards under Labor.”
