I want to talk about the Government’s water and sewerage reforms and outline a way forward for the Tasmanian community.
Let me begin by acknowledging people’s legitimate anger and concern over increased costs on their water and sewerage bills on top of other cost of living increases.
We understand why people are angry – and we accept that.
However, as I travel throughout Tasmania, I also hear stories from people concerned about the poor state of our water and sewerage systems.
Like the people living on Esplanade North in George Town who have been putting up with raw sewerage spills right outside their homes.
Like the parents of young children concerned about whether it’s safe to let their little ones take a dip at Sandy Bay beach.
And like the Salamanca Place business people upset about raw sewerage running through our prime tourist precinct.
Fixing the Problem
These problems need to be fixed.
But there is no point building the strongest economy in the nation if it leaves Tasmanians struggling financially to survive within it – here and now.
I hear Tasmanians saying they are frustrated that they are being ignored and not listened to by their Government.
I hear that message loud and clear.
But I also hear other stories, equally powerful, but usually quieter and drowned out by the political back and forth that too often defines politics today.
These stories are of pride – of the beautiful island on which we live and the abundant natural resources we have been blessed with.
I hear people saying they are worried that this may be slipping away.
I want to go back to why we needed to act in the first place.
To why we introduced the reforms needed to build a better system.
Critical Reforms
And I want to make it absolutely clear that these water and sewerage reforms are critical to our public health, to our environment and to building a strong economy into the future.
We cannot go on with 23 towns on permanent boil water alerts and a situation where we saw almost 100 raw sewerage spills reported in Tasmania in July and August this year alone.
We cannot have people living in towns such as Ross, Campbell Town and Cressy having to boil their water before it can be safely drunk.
And we cannot go on with people living on the South Esk River smelling sewerage in their drinking water.
In a land of abundant water, Tasmanians should not have to boil their water before their families can safely drink it.
They should not have to worry about their children getting ill playing on the beach.
I won’t stand for it.
Tasmanians won’t stand for it.
And it is the responsibility and intention of this government to stop it happening.
That’s why we initiated the reforms to rebuild infrastructure and protect our water several months ago.
Strong Leadership
It’s taken strong political leadership to undertake these reforms – leadership by Labor that was also able to get the Liberals focused on the problem and agreeing to move forward on crucial reforms.
These reforms are necessary for protecting public health, our environment and our economy.
We cannot go backwards.
When I became Premier in May, 2008, I was determined to take advantage of every day to get things done for Tasmanians.
We have had a big agenda.
We have articulated a vision for us to be a leader in foodbowl development, renewables and optic fibre.
But I accept that people want me to deal in the here and now as well as resolve issues affecting their lives right now.
Maybe we have moved too fast on some of these items.
I accept that.
Fixing What Is Broken
But the challenges still exist.
And we need to continue moving forward with a renewed commitment to build on what works and fix what is broken.
We need to get on with the job of making sure that every Tasmanian can get a good job, raise a family and have the opportunity to build a better future.
That is why today I am taking direct action to ease the financial strain on Tasmanian families who have been hurt by these water and sewerage bills.
Today, I announce a package of changes to water and sewerage billing that will put money back into the pockets of Tasmanians.
This is not an election promise – these changes will start right now.
Finding Solutions
Firstly, we will cap water and sewerage bill increases at five per cent – backdated to July 1 this year.
That will mean that those who have paid more than five per cent this year will receive a rebate for the difference.
This package will put $8.9 million back into the pockets of Tasmanian households and businesses this financial year.
We will also index water and sewerage concessions for low-income Tasmanians in line with future price increases.
This will mean that the support available to those Tasmanians entitled to water and sewerage concessions will not be eroded over time.
We will also exempt Housing Tasmania clients from paying water and sewerage bills.
This will mean no Housing Tasmania client will receive a water and sewerage bill.
We will relieve pressure on Tasmanians who are feeling the financial pinch by providing funds to the three water and sewerage boards to ensure no one has to pay until June 30.
This will mean Tasmanians have until the end of the financial year to pay their water and sewerage bills.
Ensuring Fairness
Over the next two years, we will introduce water meters to those remaining parts of the state that still do not have them.
This will allow households to monitor their water use more closely and give them the power to manage the size of their bills.
And finally, we will protect those Tasmanians renting a home by ensuring they do not receive a water and sewerage bill before 2012-13 when water meters are introduced on a statewide basis.
Even then, they will only pay for the water they use.
This will ensure fairness for those tenants who use less water.
This is a package that addresses the concerns of Tasmanians now and into the future.
It is the result of the Government listening to the community and acting to address the concerns we have been hearing.
