NSW: State hopes for $2 billion share of stimulus package

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2009
NSW: State hopes for $2 billion share of stimulus package

(EDS: Embargoed until 0500 AEDT Saturday February 14)



SYDNEY, Feb 14 AAP - The passing of the federal government's $42 billion stimulus package
will boost jobs and help alleviate homelessness in NSW, the state's housing minister says.

The package of cash handouts and infrastructure investment passed the Senate on Friday
after two weeks of parliamentary wrangling.

NSW Housing Minister David Borger said the government was hoping to get $2 billion
from the commonwealth, if the package was distributed on a per capita basis.

"Our preliminary assessment is that $2 billion combined with our own ambitious $850
million housing program will generate around 32,000 jobs in the state's construction and
associated industries," he said in a statement on Saturday.

"The NSW program is already delivering 2,800 new homes and the federal package could
deliver a further 6,000, meaning up to 9,000 new homes and new housing for more than 17,000
people who urgently need a roof over their heads.

"The Prime Minister (Kevin Rudd) has shown leadership and real compassion in firstly
getting the stimulus package passed and secondly in making sure it will leave a lasting
legacy for people who are in real need."

AAP kd/ht/de

KEYWORD: STIMULUS NSW (EMBARGOED)

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