National Stronger Regions Fund Leaves Tassie Out in the Cold

The Liberal Government has snubbed Tasmania in National Stronger Regions funding, and used the state’s diminished share to prop up its marginal seats, Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim says.

“The National Stronger Regions Fund has left Tasmania out in the cold,” Senator McKim said.

“We have missed out badly, with just $12 million of more than $500 million allocated to our state, and not a cent south of Oatlands in a classic case of rampant pork-barrelling.”

“What little money has been allocated to Tasmania has been entirely spent in the three Liberal held seats, and most of it in Braddon, the most marginal of the three.”

“While the funded Tasmanian projects are worthwhile, there are also projects in the south that would meet the criteria for funding, such as the Kingston High School Redevelopment in Kingborough.”

“This fund should be about giving all regional communities a fair go, not saving the political skins of Brett Whiteley and Andrew Nikolic.”

“This is an epic fail from the Liberals, who have let Tasmania, and particularly southern Tasmania, down badly.”

National Stronger Regions Fund
Round 1
Total Funding – $212,253,603
Tasmanian Funding – $11,538,956
Round 2
Total Funding – $293,434,371
Tasmanian Funding – $767,475
Overall
Total Funding – $505,687,974
Tasmanian Funding – 12,306,431
Southern Tasmanian Funding – $0.00
Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim