Statements
Tony Reidy, TasCOSS: A vital opportunity missed
These lines may be used as direct quotes from Tony Reidy, TasCOSS CEO:
• This Budget is a vital opportunity missed.
• The deepest cuts to ‘fix the Budget bottom line’ may have stopped for now, but their effects are not over.
• Actions taken to meet the Government’s austere economic savings goals will have deep impacts and consequences for years to come.
• Investment in housing, transport and the early years are essential to the success of this government’s own programs. There is no significant investment in these areas.
• The increase in GST received is in recognition of the long-term entrenched challenges faced by our state, particularly in key social areas like education, employment and health. These funds should be invested strategically and specifically to improve those areas as a priority.
• Until appropriate investment is made by Government in the groundwork of social change—housing, transport and the early years—frontline health and social services will continue to be overburdened.
Tony Reidy, TasCOSS CEO