"Next May's State Budget, the first of the new century, is a great opportunity for the Carr Government, to help narrow the social and economic divide, which has grown strongly in NSW, during the second half of the 1990s," said NCOSS Director. Gary Moore.

"On a per capita basis, the 20% of the NSW population, who are low income individuals and families, have witnessed a decline in the real level of NSW Government spending on services, since 1995/96. Small rural towns, and outer urban areas of Sydney, now head the disadvantage list."

"Bridging the Social Divide proposes a level of NSW Budget surplus, which better balances State debt elimination requirements with social development priorities."

"On the revenue side, the submission recommends 12 measures, including broadening the scope of payroll tax, but reducing the rate, quarantining the stamp duty windfall from GST affected transactions, and redirecting subsidies, from the best-off private schools, to schools with high welfare needs."

"On the spending side, the submission makes 245 recommendations, across 16 State Government departments, including increased foster care payments and community care funding, new State-wide support services for children with disabilities and carers, a post-Olympics capital works and training program, urgent funds for public dental care and a pre-school place for all 4 year olds."

"Bridging the Social Divide highlights several key rural and regional Budget proposals."

"Outstanding debts of rural Area Health Services should be written off. Additional funds to community health services to cover the increased demand for post acute nursing services are a priority."

"We advocate for ten rural community support workers to assist with social development in smaller communities. And we call for the provision of assistance to rural communities, where they are struggling to maintain their 25% funding commitment to Rural Financial Counsellors."

"The submission recommends that comprehensive public transport fare concessions be extended to private bus operators across NSW. In addition, NCOSS proposes that a new program be set up to assist local communities establish No Interest Loans Schemes, modelled on successful Victorian and West Australian examples."

"The Carr Government should also identify rural and regional NSW Budget spending, the basis of its allocation, and its results, in a separate NSW Budget statement."