24 June 2025
Life Without Barriers welcomes today’s NSW Budget, delivered by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, as a positive step toward building a fairer, more inclusive New South Wales.
We particularly welcome the Treasurers support for foster carers and First Nations self-determination.
Among the most significant announcements is a $143.9 million uplift to foster care allowances, the first real increase in two decades, recognising the vital role that carers play in keeping children safe, many of whom live with disability, trauma, or complex needs.
“While there is more work to be done, the increase to the foster care allowance is a much-needed step in the right direction. This uplift acknowledges foster and kinship carer’s vital role and helps ensure children in care can thrive in stable, loving homes,” said a Life Without Barriers spokesperson.
This year’s NSW State Budget also includes more than $731 million in initiatives to improve outcomes for First Nations people, including more than $200 million in co-designed programs developed with NSW CAPO and the Closing the Gap Joint Council. These initiatives represent a meaningful shift towards self-determined, community-led services, a direction Life Without Barriers strongly urge the Government to continue.
“We are especially heartened to see support for community-led approaches and the growing recognition that First Nations communities must be at the centre of decision-making. We have long stood for self-determination, and we welcome the Government’s recognition of its power to drive lasting change,” said a Life Without Barriers spokesperson.
Life Without Barriers looks forward to continuing to work with the NSW State Government, including Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Minister Kate Washington, our hardworking people, our sector partners, and communities to ensure these commitments are implemented in ways that are inclusive, accountable, and guided by the lived experience of Australians.
Media Enquiries
Catherine Waterworth
Call: 0466 554 042
About Life Without Barriers:
Life Without Barriers is a registered Australian charity and social purpose organisation, delivering innovative, community-based programs to more than 25,000 people from diverse community groups across the country. Life Without Barriers is based in more than 440 communities delivering services to strengthen families, disability, out-of-home care, aged care, mental health, youth justice, homelessness, and support for asylum seekers. www.lwb.org.au
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