NSW deficit doubles, weighed by flood and pandemic

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean says only the coalition government can return the budget to surplus. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The pandemic and extensive flooding is being blamed for a doubling of next year's NSW budget deficit and smaller future surpluses.

The state's mid-year budget update projects the deficit in the current 2022/23 financial year will grow to $11.4 billion, up $140 million from the figure estimated last June.