The best way to sustainably grow Tasmania’s population is to create jobs.
While today’s ABS population figures show that the State’s population continues to grow, they also show that much more needs to be done, especially to reduce the impact of interstate migration.
That’s why the centrepiece of the Budget is a $315 million jobs package. In addition to that we are also investing $1.8 billion in infrastructure.
We’ve said very clearly that if you wear a high-vis vest and you left Tasmania looking for work then it’s time to think about moving back.
The Liberal Government is committed to our population target of 650,000 people by 2050. A growing population is critical to maintaining economic growth.
We have already released a discussion paper on population growth and we are currently working through the feedback we received and will use that to help develop a population strategy for Tasmania.
Our population strategy will be a comprehensive blueprint for Tasmania’s future and will complement our long-term Plan for the State.
In the meantime, we are getting on with creating jobs and growing the economy, because that is the best way to attract people to Tasmania.
Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
