Source : Perth Now news
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has pledged to “get the economy moving” in her first election video pitch to voters, as both Labor and the Coalition stare down the threat of an insurgent One Nation.
The first-term Vaucluse MP faces a tough fight when voters return to the polls across NSW in March 2027.
While incumbent Premier Chris Minns has enjoyed relatively high popularity, the state has faced continued cost-of-living pressures, including a deepening housing affordability crisis and rising prices driven by the war in the Middle East.
In her first election campaign video, Ms Sloane accused Labor of having “taken our economy from the fastest growing to the slowest”.
“It used to be that if you worked hard, you could get ahead,” she said.
“We’ve gone from thriving to surviving.
“Well, I don’t accept that.”
Ms Sloane pledged to “get our economy moving again so we can lower taxes, create jobs, and deliver affordable housing”.
“My Liberal team has listened. We know you’re doing it tough and we’ll build a stronger future for you,” she said.
The NSW Liberals were in power for 12 years but were ousted by Chris Minns following a period of instability and broader national trends towards Labor.
The opposition was then led by Cronulla MP Mark Speakman until he was ousted in a spill late last year.
Critics accused Mr Speakman of struggling to achieve “cut-through”.
Ms Sloane, a former journalist and chief executive of Life Education NSW, took the reins despite having been elected for the first time only in 2023.
The Liberals have widely accused Labor of failing to plan for the state’s future, including on infrastructure.
For his part, the long-serving Labor MP has sought to focus on planning reform and new projects to ease the housing crisis, practical cost-of-living relief, and presenting Labor as a safe, steady hand heading into 2027.
At times, Mr Minns has clashed with federal Labor over issues such as tobacco excise and migration.
He has also overseen a tumultuous period for the state following the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing and the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Ms Sloane initially backed Labor’s firearms reforms following the December 2025 attack, but has since pledged to put the national gun buyback on ice pending an inquiry.
She was also an early advocate for a Commonwealth royal commission.
NSW One Nation leader Mark Newman earlier this week pledged to abolish the independent Planning Commission, which oversees major projects, should the right-wing populist party prove successful.
All eyes will be on One Nation when voters return to the polls, as federal leader Pauline Hanson’s ratings remain high.
Though an outright majority is highly unlikely, both Mr Newman and his Victorian counterpart, Warren Picking, who will lead One Nation into that state’s election next month, could be in place to provide support to a minority Liberal government.
