The state government brings down an election focused budget

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the budget demonstrated how focused the government was on the entire state of NSW.

"We need to make sure we look after everybody in our communities, and so I welcome the announcement of $25 billion being poured into our health system," she said.

“The $200 million investment in preschool access will ensure access to all children in NSW to attend two years of preschool, saving families on average $825 a year.”

Ms Cooke said she was excited about the $285 million package to deliver 100,000 “free” apprenticeships. 

The training package means that as of July 1, free apprenticeships will be offered to newly enrolled apprentices in any course.

"I'm thrilled 100,000 apprenticeships will be fee free,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall said the program was brilliant news for young people in particular, who often baulk at the $2,000 cost of an apprenticeship.

“This removes the last remaining barrier to people getting the training and skills they need to get a job,” he said.

But Harden Geelan Holden dealer principal Jamie Harden said the program would not make businesses rush out to employ extra apprentices.

“The slashing of the fee would make a difference to us as the business holder because it would help with the everyday cost of doing our business,” he said.

“But we’d have to look at whether or not putting an apprentice on is a viable move for our business as I am sure many other businesses would.

“It’s a great initiative because if a small business can save some money somewhere, that’s a great thing, but it won’t make businesses all over NSW suddenly want to put extra apprentices on.”

Opposition leader Luke Foley said the Liberal and National Party coalition government was “out of touch” and trying to “con” its way back into office.

"This is a government trying to con its way back into office," he said.

"In their eighth-year - after neglecting our health and education systems for all of that time, after running down our schools, TAFEs and hospitals - suddenly this government has discovered health and education."