Cost of living relief for NSW as Minns government reveals first state budget

A sign of relief for motorists, public sector workers and households in New South Wales as the Minns government reveals a sneak peek at its first state budget. A $60-a-week toll cap will come into effect next year, saving almost 720,000 motorists up to $500 a year, a cash rebate scheme that will cost more than $560 million over two years. A $3.6 billion 'Essential Services Fund' will be established to cover the wage rises for nurses, teachers and other public sector workers. The ‘Essential Services Fund’ aims to help keep workers onboard and address the critical staffing shortage. Concession card holders, pensioners and families will receive up to $350 back from their power bills following the government’s announcement of a $100 million energy rebate scheme. The state budget will be released on Tuesday.