Share:
State Budget 2026: What Can We Expect?
The NSW Government will hand down its 2026-27 Budget on 23 June, its last before the next State Election, and as Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has foreshadowed ‘restraint’ will be one of the key messages.
As the NSW Treasurer noted during his recent address to The McKell Institute, very few anticipated the largest oil shock since the 1970s and with the State’s finances already under pressure. This will be a ‘practical and sensible’ budget, not a big-spending one.
The Treasurer however has signalled a focus on meeting existing commitments and, where possible, delivering cost-of-living relief.
There have been a handful of pre-budget announcements, including funding for public hospitals staff and services, including a number across Greater Western Sydney. There has also been some additional funding for a new fire station in Marsden Park and upgrades for TAFE Wetherill Park’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.
While the recent positive news has been welcomed, it remains to be seen whether there’ll be any major infrastructure announcements, particularly in the area of transport, or if the Minns Government will hold fire until closer to next year’s State Election.
The Dialogue will provide a detailed breakdown of the budget and what it means for Greater Western Sydney with our partners when the Budget is handed down on 23 June.
A New Vision for Western Sydney Infrastructure
As Western Sydney continues to grow, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the next generation of investment in Sydney’s West.
The call follows the completion of the 2016 Federal-led Plan, which saw a total of $4.6 billion in joint federal and state funding for local road infrastructure delivered over the past decade.
Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said while the plan had played an important role in improving connectivity, especially in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, it was now time to look beyond roads to pave the way for the region’s future.
“It’s time to lay the foundations for Western Sydney’s next chapter,” Mr Leto said.
“The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan was a landmark investment designed to prepare the region for the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport – and it has delivered impressive results.
“We’d now like to see the Federal Government work with the state government and local Western Sydney councils to develop a new 10-year program of works to prioritise key infrastructure projects – not just roads – so that fast-growing communities have better access to jobs and opportunity.”
Dialogue CEO Adam Leto spoke to ABC Reporter Nabil Al-Nashar. Watch the ABC TV News Report above.
Western Sydney Sidelined by Sports Ground Shortfall
New research by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has blown the whistle on a dire shortage of sporting infrastructure in the region.
With Greater Western Sydney absorbing the lion’s share of Sydney’s population growth, by 2041 the region will need an additional 682 hectares of recreational space – the equivalent of 912 rugby league fields – to meet the needs of the projected 3.58 million residents.
But Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said there were opportunities to address the “dire” sports infrastructure shortfall before it was too late by opening up access to existing facilities.
“By unlocking the gates on underutilised school ovals, TAFE grounds, university fields and government-owned land, we can create access to the space residents in Western Sydney need,” Mr Leto said.
“Joint use agreements for existing sports facilities are a real game-changer, and the playbook already exists. Programs like Share Our Space should be extended to keep school grounds open for community sport after hours, on weekends and during school holidays.
“This sort of solution doesn’t require bucket-loads of dollars, it’s simply about sweating some of our existing community and public assets a bit harder.”
Dialogue CEO Adam Leto spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Mostafa Rachwani. Read the story here.
Major Milestone for Bankstown Hospital
A major milestone has been reached for the new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital, with demolition works now officially underway.
The redevelopment marks an important step toward delivering world-class healthcare for one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has been a long-time champion of the project, recognising its potential not only to improve health outcomes, but also to help shape the future of the Bankstown CBD.
The hospital will become a key anchor in a future Bankstown, supporting new jobs, investment, research and training opportunities across the region, connected by a new Metro line and a neighbouring Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW campus.
Federal Budget Analysis
Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers handed down the 2026–27 Federal Budget last month, with a strong focus on managing inflation and improving intergenerational equity.
As anticipated, reforms to capital gains tax concessions and negative gearing form a centrepiece of the budget, reflecting a policy agenda aimed at improving housing affordability and access for younger Australians. Extensive grandfathering provisions mean existing investors will be largely protected from the most significant changes in the near term.
While the budget contains limited new visionary investments for Greater Western Sydney or regional development more broadly, the Government will be hoping its focus on housing affordability resonates with Millennials and Gen Z voters, who now account for almost half of Western Sydney’s electorate.
Politically, the budget positions the Albanese Government as fiscally responsible and focused on long-term economic reform, while placing pressure on the Coalition to respond to policies aimed at younger Australians. As with all budgets, much will depend on key assumptions around NDIS savings, housing supply outcomes and the impact of global events on inflationary pressures.
Despite the Government’s emphasis on cost-of-living relief and fiscal restraint, total spending for 2026–27 has increased by $18.3 billion since MYEFO. As a result, Reserve Bank decisions are likely to remain a key concern for mortgage holders across Western Sydney in the months ahead.
While the Government holds a comfortable majority in the House of Representatives, significant reforms, including changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, will still need to navigate a complex Senate and may require further negotiation before becoming law.
Click here to access The Dialogue’s 2026–27 Federal Budget Brief.
Countdown to Take-Off!
Western Sydney International Airport’s countdown to take-off is officially on, with the announcement that Sydney’s only 24/7 airport will be open to passengers from 25 October, with freight flights commencing 26 July this year.
It’s another great milestone for the opening of WSI that has been 15 years in the planning, seven years in construction and created more than 12,800 jobs – many of them for local workers – as we witness this aviation marvel come out of the ground.
Bradfield Takes the Next Step Toward Becoming a Global Education Hub
More exciting progress for Bradfield City, with development partner Plenary launching its search for a university to establish a campus in Australia’s newest city.
Australian and international universities have been invited to submit proposals outlining how they would create a world-class campus that brings together education, research, industry collaboration and student life in the heart of Bradfield.
Plenary is also seeking expressions of interest from businesses looking to co-locate within the University Precinct.
With direct access to the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) buildings, the university will have the opportunity to deliver up to 30,000sqm of bespoke education, workspace and research facilities that supports Bradfield City’s vision for an advanced industry ecosystem.
A Note from The Chair: Celebrating a Decade of Leadership
Advocacy organisations like the Dialogue rely upon robust policy, strategic political analysis, innovative PR, great events, and a strong membership base. However, all of these vital elements are nothing compared to the need for a professional leadership team.
This year we celebrate a Dialogue milestone, with the three most senior people in the business all passing the 10-year service mark. CEO, Adam Leto, racked up his decadal service last year when the Dialogue turned 10 but he has now been joined by our Chief Commercial Officer, Brett Towers, and our Senior Policy Adviser, Luke Turner.
Adam is a Fairfield lad and a former Fairfax journo, he managed media and communications at Parramatta Council and joined the Dialogue in 2015 from the Local Government Association. Adam runs the whole show now as CEO. Brett grew up in Minto and worked with me at Tourism & Transport Forum for five years. He’s had stints at Tourism Australia, Luna Park and Business Events Sydney and now manages all our corporate services including, membership, brand, IT, finance and HR.
Luke is a Newcastle local (a ‘Westie-affinity’ town) who also worked with me at TTF, then City of Sydney and NRMA and led our policy and research team for years. He recently shifted to the TSA consulting business but keeps a part-time policy advice role with the Dialogue.
These three guys have been with me since we kicked off the Dialogue and have never wavered in their commitment to the organisation, the region, the membership and their fellow staff. I wanted to place on record my admiration for the role they have each played in shaping both the Dialogue and Western Sydney.
The Dialogue secretariat is a small but dynamic team of analysts, marketers, researchers, event promoters, media gurus and administrative professionals. We might be small in numbers but we pack a punch and that’s due to the nous and the heart of its people.
On behalf of our eminent Patrons, I want to publicly recognise the executive cohort that leads our forum and thank them for their service, their talent and their total loyalty to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue. Thank you, Adam, Brett and Luke.
– Christopher Brown AM
Insights from Our Leadership Luncheons
It has been another busy and engaging month of Leadership Luncheons.
We were delighted to welcome Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos and Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. We also hosted Sydney Metro Chief Property and Place Officer Michael O’Brien and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce.
These events remain one of the Dialogue’s most valued offerings, providing partners with unique access to senior decision-makers and thoughtful discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping Western Sydney.
Next month, we look forward to welcoming Western Sydney University Chancellor Jennifer Westacott AC and Infrastructure Australia Chief Commissioner Tim Reardon.
What’s Next: Airport City Summit
With the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport now just months away, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue is pleased to invite you to the third Airport City Summit to be held next month on Friday, 3 July at The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm.
We are honoured to announce that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car will speak at this year’s Summit.
As the region prepares for take-off, the 2026 Summit will bring together Federal, State and Local Government leaders alongside the nation’s key industry stakeholders. Together, we will examine the infrastructure, investment and policies needed to ensure Greater Western Sydney can fully leverage this once-in-a-generation, city-shaping opportunity.
📅Friday, 3 July 2026
📍The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm
⏱️8.30am – 1.30pm
Partner News
Farewell | Amanda Larkin
The Dialogue extends its sincere thanks and best wishes to Amanda Larkin as she concludes her tenure as Interim Chief Executive of Western Sydney Local Health District.
A passionate advocate for Western Sydney, Amanda has played a significant role in the Dialogue’s journey over many years. A Pemulwuy Prize recipient, her contributions include being a founding member of the Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct (CHEP) initiative, a participant in the inaugural East London study tour and a valued member of our CLP Panel of Governors.
With over 30 years of experience in health service management and as Chief Executive of the South Western Sydney Local Health District from 2011 to 2023, Amanda is widely recognised for her leadership and commitment to strengthening health services across Western Sydney, working tirelessly to improve outcomes for local communities.
We thank Amanda for her longstanding support and dedication and wish her every success in her next chapter.
The Dialogue also looks forward to welcoming Alison Zecchin as the new Chief Executive of Western Sydney Local Health District.
‘Influence is connection’ with Christopher Brown AM | SGCH
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Chair Christopher Brown AM recently joined St George Community Housing CEO Debi Marriott-Lavery on the Bigger, Braver, Bolder podcast.
The conversation explored what influence looks like in practice and the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives across government, business and the community to drive meaningful outcomes.
Tune in here: Influence is Connection with Christopher Brown AM
BlueCHP | BlueCHP 160th affordable home
Last month, BlueCHP celebrated a significant milestone in affordable housing delivery across Western Sydney
Congratulations to Charles Northcote and the team at BlueCHP – Affordable, Social & Disability Housing on the recent completion of its 160th affordable home in Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing.
Located a stone’s throw from the new Jordan Springs High School currently under construction, the home was delivered as part of the St Mary’s ADI Project in partnership with Lendlease, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Homes NSW and financed by Housing Australia.
It was wonderful to welcome passionate local MP and Deputy Premier Prue Car along to mark the occasion.
New Partner | Cabravale Club Resort
We are pleased to welcome Cabravale Club Resort as the newest partner of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.
