In Conversation with The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW
It was an honour to welcome The Hon. Chris Minns MP to the Sydney Financial Forum as our distinguished guest speaker.
 
Date: 2 July 2025 

Speakers:
  • The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW
  • Naomi Steer AO, Chair, Sydney Financial Forum
  • Damian Graham, Chief Investment Officer, Aware Super 
  • Shemara Wikramanayake, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie Group
  • Mark Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer, First Sentier Investors
Key Takeaways
Following the recent delivery of the NSW Budget, this important session gave attendees timely insight into the Government’s priorities for economic growth, infrastructure, and investment in financial services.
1. Positioning Sydney as a Regional Financial Hub
The Premier spoke to Sydney’s ambition to strengthen its position as Australia’s financial capital and expand its influence across the Asia-Pacific region. While financial services remain a key strength, he also addressed the need to reduce reliance on legacy industries like coal, as major trading partners such as Japan and Korea transition away from fossil fuels.

A critical step in this direction is the establishment of the new Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), which will fast-track infrastructure approvals, cut red tape, and help position NSW as an attractive, forward-looking destination for global investment.
2. Sydney as a Connected and Liveable City
Sydney’s transport transformation is well underway, with 25 new Metro stations under construction, described as a game-changer for connecting communities, reducing congestion, and unlocking housing growth.

Improved connectivity will not only make it easier for people to access jobs, education, and services, but will also help to spread economic activity more evenly across Greater Sydney, supporting the city’s resilience and inclusivity.
3. Addressing Housing Affordability to Support Industry Growth
Housing affordability is one of the most urgent challenges facing NSW. Premier Minns outlined plans for bipartisan housing and planning reform to address the issue.

The recent budget includes a commitment to deliver 15,000 new homes over the next three years, a move aimed at making Sydney more affordable and ensuring it remains an attractive destination for workers, families, and businesses alike.
4. Strengthening Essential Services and Social Investment
The NSW Government is boosting support for frontline services like policing, education, and healthcare, after years of sustained pressure. A standout initiative in the recent budget is a record $1.2 billion investment in child protection and out-of-home care, including increased allowances for foster carers.

The Premier highlighted the importance of supporting the state’s most vulnerable children and recognising the vital contribution of carers across NSW.
5. A Fairer Share of GST Revenue for NSW
Premier Minns called for a more equitable distribution of GST revenue to ensure NSW has the resources it needs to meet growing demands for frontline services, infrastructure, education, and health.

Without fairer federal funding, the state’s ability to deliver on its ambitious reform and growth agenda, and to meet the needs of its residents, will face continued strain.