Revenue collected from parking at hospitals and health facilities across the Hunter New England district has surged by more than half, according to new government financial data. The sharp rise has ignited a political fight over the cost of accessing healthcare.
A Multi-Million Dollar Increase
Financial statements from NSW Health reveal that parking revenue from Hunter New England facilities reached $6 million in the 2024/25 financial year. This represents a dramatic 52 per cent increase from the $3.9 million collected the previous year.
The trend is reflected statewide, where parking income climbed from $51.7 million in 2024 to nearly $87 million in 2025. The end of a free parking initiative introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a primary driver for the jump.
Political Clash Over a "Cash Cow"
The significant revenue boost has drawn fierce criticism from the NSW Opposition. Leader Kellie Sloane labelled the increase an example of "blatant hypocrisy" from a government that once criticised parking fees as a "cash cow".
"We already knew patients were waiting longer under Chris Minns, and now we know they are paying more as well," Ms Sloane said. "People should not be worrying about parking fees when they are walking into an emergency department or sitting with someone they love."
She called for a system that is "fair, consistent and compassionate," with protections for long-stay patients, carers, and healthcare workers.
Government Defends Policy Shift
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged hospital parking is a persistent "challenge". He defended the reintroduction of fees, explaining the previous free parking was a temporary measure to discourage public transport use during the pandemic.
"Once COVID restrictions had lifted, we needed to make that change," Mr Park stated. He argued that maintaining free parking in major metropolitan areas would see spaces filled by 7am by non-hospital users, undermining access for patients and staff.
The Minister emphasised that parking remains heavily subsidised for staff, carers, and frequent patients, and is kept free in some regional areas with poor public transport links.
With the next state election 16 months away, the issue is set to remain in focus. Ms Sloane indicated the Opposition would develop a policy focused on "equity and fairness" for hospital parking, promising more details as the election approaches.
