A major election promise to give every child in NSW a ‘future fund’ which could grow to $49,000 once they turn 18, was delivered in full force at the NSW Liberals’ campaign launch.
Liberal loyalists in blue party shirts flooded the Liverpool Catholic Club in south west Sydney, which lists an ice-skating rink, gym and controversially, a pokies room among its list of features.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet used the launch to announce his plan to give every NSW child under 10 a ‘Future Fund Account,’ dubbed a “gift of opportunity” to future generations.
Parents and guardians can choose whether they want to create an account on behalf of their kids, which they can only access once they turn 18.
The funds are only able to be used for housing and education purposes, like purchasing a property, HECS debt, or paying for university textbooks, or a laptop for study.
Mr Perrottet was introduced by his wife, Helen, at the Liberal launch. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer
The government would give each child an initial $400 in their account, with parents also able to contribute to the account. The state will also match contributions made by family of up to $400 a year.
Mr Perrottet said the Future Fund could grow up to $49,000 by the time the child turns 18 and claimed it could reach up to $28,000 through maximum government contributions plus compound interest.
“This policy is a down payment to secure the future dream’s of our children,” he said.
Before Mr Perrottet made his entrance, the crowd was blasted with a deafening mix of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, followed Katy Perry’s Roar.
The song choice appeared to be a targeted dig at Opposition Leader Chris Minns, who chose the tune to play live on air with Kyle and Jackie O earlier this week.
While his rendition got him an enthusiastic tick of approval from the duo, Mr Minns’ name received hisses, boos and out cries of “shame” on Sunday.
In attendance was former Prime Minister John Howard, NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole and the Premier’s wife, Helen Perrottet and children.
Former Liberal PM John Howard was in attendance. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer
Treasurer’s brutal sledge to Labor leader
Delivering the first speech, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean blasted the Labor leader for the party’s relationship with the unions, policies around cancelling Sydney metro projects and corrupt former Labor MP Eddie Obeid.
“There’s a reason why every time he granted a ballot for the leadership of the Labour Party membership and his closest colleagues chose someone else,” he said.
The launch took place in the key electorate of Holsworthy, which sits on a slim 0.6 per cent margin.
It will be contested by Liberal candidate Tina Ayyad, Mick Maroney (Labor), Chris Kerle (The Greens), James Ingarfill (One Nation) and independent Deborah Swinbourn.
Ms Perrottet also gave a speech about her husband, describing him as a “dedicated” father and “a big ideas man”.
“He is the man who for the last decade has sat up through the night with seven babies. Not all at once but sometimes in more than one,” she said.
“Today, there is a lot of attention on the achievement of this great government but my proudest moments over the last decade haven’t been the big projects.
“It’s been the countless ways that I’ve seen Dom fight for people in NSW who don’t have a voice.”
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