Politics
Aird to retire, budget blackhole opens
Tasmania’s Labor Cabinet is set for a shake-up after confirmation long-serving Treasurer Michael Aird will retire.
Mr Aird confirmed this morning that he would retire on December 6th.
After 25 years in parliament, Mr Aird says he wants to pursue other interests.
He says it has been a demanding job and, in particular, the global financial crisis has not been easy to deal with.
“Just day to day politics, it’s a 24/7 job and I think I would like to pursue other parts of my life that I have probably neglected in the past,” he said.
“In the private sector, I think I’d like to be involved in some boards, I want to get back involved in the arts, I want to do some work in the third world.”
Mr Aird said he has consulted family, friends and colleagues and his retirement will allow for a by-election next May.
He believes Attorney-General Lara Giddings will make “a fantastic treasurer” if she is appointed.
Budget blackhole
The announcement comes as the State Government prepares to reveal a multi-million dollar shortfall in the state budget.
The Treasurer will release an update on the budget today, including how a fall in GST receipts will impact on the state budget over the next four years.
The hit comes off the back of a $10 billion drop in revenue expected to be revealed by the Federal Government today.