Ashleigh Raper
Ashleigh Raper is the NSW State Political Reporter. Since joining the ABC in 2008, she has reported from the Orange, Newcastle, Darwin and Sydney newsrooms. She's held varying roles including Triple J newsreader and TV newsreader in the NT.
Latest by Ashleigh Raper
'Really questions her competence': NSW minister under fire over claims of cover-up over tasering of 95yo
At the time of the incident at the Yallambee Lodge nursing home last month, questions were raised as to why the original media release from NSW Police omitted the word "taser".
Date set for release of corruption findings into former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian
The delivery of the report into whether Gladys Berejiklian breached public trust faced lengthy delays and comes more than two-and-a-half years ago after the corruption watchdog's hearings.
'Very difficult': NSW treasurer says state budget surplus unlikely amid inflation, cost blow-outs
The state's budget was due for a $300 million surplus next year but Daniel Mookhey says it will now be "very hard to hit those figures".
NSW Treasurer to warn state's credit rating is under threat
Since taking office in March, the Minns government has been painting a bleak picture of the state's finances and foreshadowed that cuts to spending will need to be made.
Analysis
analysis:NSW is recruiting for one of the state's toughest jobs — the successful applicant faces a massive task
There's no-one in the role, but NSW's rental commissioner has their work cut out for them in trying to make Labor's election promises a reality.
Minns government criticises Coalition's koala count as new colony found in NSW
Thermal drones discover 42 koalas at Coolah Tops when the previous government only had five documented sightings in the area over the past 70 years.
Analysis
analysis:NSW premier's emulation of Gladys Berejiklian's State of Origin photo comes at interesting time
The state's first elected female premier cast a shadow over Dominic Perrottet's reign. As the ICAC report nears, she is set to become the focus of the Chris Minns government, writes state political reporter Ashleigh Raper.
Chris Minns set to abolish first home buyer land tax choice
Almost 5,000 properties are locked into the previous Coalition government's signature scheme since it started late last year, but from July 1 it will no longer exist.
'It's 2023': Independent MP Alex Greenwich to sue over Mark Latham's offensive tweet
Independent MP Alex Greenwich had previously threatened to sue Mark Latham for defamation if the One Nation MP did not apologise or attempt to make amends.
Premier Chris Minns wants to transform Sydney into 'dense, urban living'
The New South Wales government has fulfilled an election campaign promise to set up a building commission to oversee the construction industry.
Analysis
analysis:Chris Minns wants a more polite parliament but this week in the 'bear pit' was anything but
Cheap jokes, finger pointing and obstructive behaviour don't align with what Chris Minns wants for the new parliament but it's exactly what he got this week, writes state political reporter Ashleigh Raper.
NSW government refuses to guarantee extension of Kids Voucher program beyond June
The government is under pressure to fund the program, introduced by the Coalition in 2018, which gives parents and carers of school-aged children money for sport or recreational activities.
Franklin defies own party to secure plum NSW upper house president job
Ben Franklin nominates himself for the position a day after state party leader Paul Toole is booted out in a leadership spill.
Analysis
analysis:Labor heavyweight isn't picking a fight with new NSW premier for the sake of it
A walkout by health workers at Tweed Hospital was orchestrated by the Labor heavyweight Gerard Hayes. The seasoned unionist isn't picking a fight with the new NSW premier for the sake of it.
Opposition reveals partial frontbench in NSW, as Matt Kean takes on shadow health minister
Kean has been appointed health minister in Mark Speakman's shadow cabinet, five weeks after the state election.
NSW government moves on election promise to make temporary public school teachers permanent
More than 1,000 temporary public school teachers are expected to be made permanent by term 3, in what the NSW government says is the first stage of its promised 10,000 conversions.
Chris Minns' first cabinet makes history for NSW politics
Premier Chris Minns unveils a pared down frontbench that includes gender parity within the Ministry for the first time in the state.
Analysis
analysis:The anger that clinched the election for Labor was staring Perrottet in the face
Ignoring the growing anger of essential workers was a monumental mistake by the Liberals, and ultimately led to their defeat, state political reporter Ashleigh Raper writes.
Analysis
analysis:Spare a thought for NSW's undecided voters today — they've had little help in this lacklustre campaign
The NSW election campaign has been almost totally free from gaffes and personal attacks from the leaders — while it's been refreshing, it's also made it hard to tell Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns apart.
New South Wales Labor's promise to scrap public sector wage cap could cost billions, review finds
Voters will go to the polls on Saturday without knowing the budget impacts of Labor's signature policy to scrap the public sector wage cap, but it is likely to cost billions of dollars.
Perrottet promises to cap Opal card costs as Minns makes move to stop Sydney Water sale
Six days out from the NSW election, rivals Dominic Perrottet and Chris Minns both give speeches in Western Sydney, with the cost of living and privatisation high on the agenda.
Analysis
analysis:Gladys Berejiklian's star power could be Liberals' NSW election trump card
The former NSW premier made her first election appearance this week, and there are more to come, but it could spell problems for Dominic Perrottet's campaigning.
'Need visionary policies': Business group takes aim at major parties, calls for startup fund
Business NSW criticises the Coalition and Labor for a lack of bold ideas for business in the lead up to the election, saying that startups are slipping through the cracks.
Analysis
analysis:Jokes and guitar licks might not be enough for Chris Minns to convince NSW he's ready to lead
NSW Labor is playing a small target strategy in the election campaign, but it might backfire with the party needing to capture the attention of undecided voters to win.
'No evidence of corrupt conduct': ICAC delivers verdict on John Barilaro's trade job posting
The corruption watchdog says it has found no evidence of corrupt conduct by former NSW ministers John Barilaro and Stuart Ayres, and it has halted its investigation.