• The Premier challenges dire predictions for the building industry
A construction industry report has found Tasmania’s building industry will take a half a billion dollar hit, 5,000 jobs have already been lost in 12 months and thousands more are under threat. … But the Premier Lara Giddings is pointing to the latest construction figures to argue the industry has a bright future. “7.8 per cent growth is the latest figure that had come out, housing is growing, there are construction jobs that are growing.
• Comment sought on school enrolment changes
The government has made public its revision of school catchment areas and rules relating to parents who want their children taught outside home boundaries. The draft policy includes giving Education Department officials the final say on applications from parents, who would have to cover transport costs if their request is approved. The President of the Principals’ Association, David Raw, says some school associations will not like the changes.
• Extra flights help set tourism record
The latest tourism figures show that for the year ending in March, there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of visitors. That equates to more than 930,000 people. The number of people arriving by air increased by 15 per cent, while people arriving by sea (TT-Line) dropped 12 per cent.
