The Liberal Government is committed to fixing the budget and we are getting on with the job.
We will work through our own budget process to deliver a State Budget that minimises the impact of the State and Federal Labor Green budget black-hole on vulnerable Tasmanians.
The announcements we made today are a down payment on our commitments.
Our Government will protect the vulnerable. That’s why we will extend the rate rebates for eligible concession card holders.
Our Government will deliver a better and fairer health care system. That’s why will not introduce an Emergency Department co-payment
The Tasmanian Labor Green Government left a $1.1 billion budget black-hole and a net debt of $400 million, which was exacerbated by a $2.1 billion hit from their federal counterparts.
That is why it was important to defer the State Budget until August, to allow us to fully understand risks in the budget that weren’t quantified by the former government.
It also allowed us time to frame a budget that took into account the Federal Budget and plan for the challenges it presented.
But I want to assure Tasmanians this is not a budget to be afraid of.
There will be some tough decisions, but it will not hurt vulnerable Tasmanians. The State Budget will deliver our plan and keep our promises.
Will Hodgman, Premier
