GREENS’ INITIAL STATE BUDGET RESPONSE

Key Greens’ Campaigns Receive Welcome Boost

The Tasmanian Greens today said that the key challenge facing the State Budget is prioritising progressive policy reforms, while continuing the structural reform necessary to put the Tasmania’s finances onto a more sustainable footing.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that while a Green Treasurer would have delivered a different Budget to the one released today, the ‘greening-up’ of the Budget was continuing due to the constructive influence of the Greens in a power-sharing arrangement.

“A Green government would clearly have delivered a Budget with different priorities, with more funding in areas like public transport and energy efficiency, instead of things like AFL sponsorship and less reliance on pokies revenue, but it is heartening to see the gradual greening-up of the State’s financial priorities is continuing,” Mr McKim said.

“It is important to balance the necessary fiscal restraint with investment in areas that will help drive and leverage the state’s economic transition underway, as well as looking after those doing it tough.”

“While we would have liked to see more Greens’ initiatives funded, we are proud to be able to contribute constructively to the implementation of progressive policy reforms on behalf of all Tasmanians.”

 Greens’ Policy: State-based Container Deposit Scheme progressed
“We welcome the allocation for a cost-benefit study into a state-based Container Deposit scheme.”
“The Greens have long campaigned for the introduction of CDL and this initiative is the first real concrete step towards achieving a state container deposit scheme.”

 Greens’ Policy: Mine Remediation and Innovation Centre of Excellence feasibility study
“The $100, 000 dedicated to conducting a feasibility study into the Greens’ proposed Mine Remediation and Innovation Centre of Excellence is a boost for the mining sector and for the West Coast, as we propose this Centre is located in Queenstown.”
“We campaigned for this Greens’ initiative during the last state election, as we believe there is an untapped future in establishing Tasmania as the leader in developing and exporting mining remediation and technological innovation skills and expertise.”

 Greens’ Policy: Tackling Tobacco Addiction boost
“Our campaign tackling tobacco addiction and smoking rates has received a $1 million boost with additional funding to target providing assistance to pregnant women and young people, as well as other population groups considered at high risk.”

 Greens’ Policy: Boost for Climate Change Adaptation Activities
“$400, 000 over the next two years has been secured to develop an integrated approach for coastal, regional and sector-based climate change adaptation activities.”
“This funding will build on the valuable work already underway to assess the vulnerability of both our coastal settlements and infrastructure as well as natural values in coastal areas and local and regional precincts.”

 Greens’ Policy: Further Investment in Battery Hen and Sow Stall Ban
“Our ground-breaking policy delivery of a phase out of battery hens and sow stall ban is well underway, and has received an additional boost of $1 million dollars to keep that transition on track.”
“Not only are we working towards an end to battery hen farming, but we are also investing in increasing the capacity of free-range and barn egg producers.”

 Greens’ Policy: Get on Yer (mountain) Bike!
“The Greens have continued to deliver regional support for cycleways and bike trails, with the reestablishment of the Trials and Bikeways Program. This program will assist regional and rural cycle clubs and mountain bike groups to secure funding to assist in the development and promotion of local networks and trails.”
“This is additional to previous Greens’ gains such as the north-west cycle way and geotrail studies.”

Mr McKim will deliver his Leader’s Budget Reply speech next Tuesday.

Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Thursday, 23 May 2013