Name: Sydney hospital parking sparks scrutiny as fees surge $35m in a year
Uploaded: 2025-12-02T06:20:40.280Z
Duration: 1 min 55 s
Description: Government revenue from Sydney hospital parking fees jumped by $35 million to nearly $87 million in 2025, driven by new car park construction and the end of free staff parking introduced during the pandemic.

Government revenue from Sydney hospital parking fees jumped by $35 million to nearly $87 million in 2025, driven by new car park construction and the end of free staff parking introduced during the pandemic.

Council of the City of Sydney

Hospital parking fees in Sydney have come under scrutiny after government revenue from these fees rose by $35 million in the 2025 financial year, reaching nearly $87 million. The increase has been attributed to the construction of more car parks and the end of free staff parking that was introduced during the pandemic.

The opposition has criticized the government for the sharp rise, particularly in Western Sydney and the Sydney local health district, which saw significant year-on-year increases. While some subsidies exist and parking is free in regional areas, calls for more free parking at Sydney hospitals have been met with concerns about reduced availability of spaces.

Sydney hospital parking sparks scrutiny as fees surge $35m in a year

Even as a disability parking permit holder, Petula says she was lucky to nab a street spot to be with her son at hospital. Because I'd be paying God only knows how much in the car park if I'm here all day with him, which I am. The car park operators are making a lot of money. When in opposition, Ryan Park agreed, calling it a... Cash cow and a cash grab by the government. But new figures reveal in the 2025 financial year, the government raked in $35 million more revenue than the year prior, totalling almost $87 million. A figure the now Health Minister is forced to defend. We've got a number of different variables going into that. More car parks being built for one, and that until February last year, staff benefited from free parking due to the pandemic. So to compare that is not really comparing apples with apples. It is hypocritical and it's very disappointing. But the opposition leader admits she doesn't have the answers yet either. A spending today out and about again in Western Sydney, where hospitals are under the most pressure. And when you go out and pay the car parking fees, it feels like an absolute kick in the guts. Western Sydney is bearing the brunt, raising $17.6 million, up 59% from the year prior. But the biggest year-on-year increases were in the Sydney local health district, where revenue jumped 186%, followed by Northern Sydney. This is a fundamental right that people should be able to see their family without having to check their credit card first. Parking subsidies do already exist for some patients and staff. In regional areas, it's free. The Health Services Union is calling for more regional-style free car parks at Sydney hospitals. But the health minister says it's not realistic and would risk fewer spots being available for those who need them. It's a battle that won't be parked any time soon. Tallulah Thompson, 10 News.

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