The Liberal Government is committed to working constructively with our State and Federal colleagues to get the best outcomes for Tasmania.
Last week’s COAG meeting involved discussions on important national matters, including the counter-terrorism response, education and disability reforms, and infrastructure investment.
At this national meeting I was able again to express our significant concerns about the withdrawal of the AFP presence at the Hobart airport, and to request the issue be monitored on an ongoing basis, which will occur. And we will continue to pursue this matter with the Federal Government.
The Tasmanian Government, along with all other State and Territory Governments, has agreed to make further changes to improve and strengthen Australia’s counter-terror laws, and legislation will be tabled in coming months.
We were able to negotiate a positive outcome with the Land Transport National Partnership Agreement, and more than $800 million will be invested in important road upgrades, on the Midland Highway, for rail, and at ‘black spots’.
I raised the issue of medicinal cannabis, as I had committed to do, and there was strong agreement reached among Chief Ministers for a collaborative way forward. We will work with our Federal and State counterparts, including the NSW Working Group, to progress work on medicinal cannabis trials.
We will continue to work constructively to get positive outcomes, which is what our long term plan for Tasmania is all about.
Will Hodgman, Premier
