- The NSW Government's 2026–27 State Budget includes a historic $184 million investment in domestic and family violence programmes over four years, with longer-term contracts providing greater certainty for service providers and continuity of care for victim-survivors.
- A $19.3 million allocation for Men's Behaviour Change programmes is welcomed as a meaningful step towards reducing and preventing violent and abusive behaviour.
- Additional beds at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, allied health worker recruitment, and the commitment to build 10 new public schools across Western Sydney are seen as positive outcomes for Greater Western Sydney families.
- The NSW Government's $631.9 million commitment to the Thriving Kids programme offers reassurance to parents and carers of children with autism under nine who are being moved off the NDIS.
- SydWest emphasises that culturally responsive care must be deliberately embedded across all new investments, given that Western Sydney is home to some of Australia's most culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
SydWest welcomes the NSW Government’s 2026–27 State Budget, recognising its historic $184 million investment in domestic and family violence programs over the next four years.
SydWest Chief Executive Officer, Elfa Moraitakis, said “The government’s work to move key domestic and family violence programs to longer-term contracts provides greater certainty for service providers and continuity of care for victim-survivors.’’
SydWest welcomes the $19.3 million for Men’s Behaviour Change programs, specifically, which we know can go a long way in helping to reduce and prevent violent and abusive behaviour.
“When investment is focused, it has impact. Yet the critical task ahead is ensuring this investment effectively supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities," Ms. Moraitakis said. "New South Wales, and Western Sydney in particular, is home to some of the most multicultural populations in the nation. It is therefore imperative that these communities receive the support they need."
Investment in schools and healthcare is also welcome news for Greater Western Sydney families. Additional beds at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, the recruitment of allied health workers, and the commitment to build 10 new public schools across Western Sydney is a win for families.
As an NDIS provider, SydWest has been sceptical with the Federal Government’s reduction in NDIS funding and is therefore encouraged to hear that the NSW government has committed $631.9m towards the Thriving Kids program, which aims to replace supports for children with autism younger than nine, as they are moved off the NDIS. This State funding provides reassurance for parents and carers that supporting children with diverse needs is essential.
Ms Moraitakis, said, "It is pleasing to see the NSW Government listening to the immediate financial pressures and challenges facing our community. However, as an organisation dedicated to supporting a diverse population and community, we must ensure that culturally responsive care is deeply embedded and deliberately planned across all new investments."
SydWest stands ready to act as a vital bridge between the budget commitments and the diverse communities of Greater Western Sydney. True community belonging is built when public investments are accessible to all.
About us:
SydWest Multicultural Services is a leading organisation for cultural diversity issues responding to community needs and opportunities throughout Greater Western Sydney, the Inner West and City of Sydney.
Contact details:
Peter Skarparis
Head of Marketing & Communications
02 9621 6633 | 0434403273 | [email protected]
