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Supporting Tasmanians in Need

25th May, 2017

Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services

With the Budget back in balance, the Hodgman Liberal Government is reinvesting in the essential services that Tasmanians need.

The 2017-18 Budget is all about Building a Better Future for all Tasmanians. It includes:

  • Funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We will contribute over $750 million in cash and in kind contributions to the NDIS over the 2017-18 Budget and forward estimates. Of this total funding contribution, $179.7 million is new additional funding specifically allocated for the State Contribution to the NDIS. Around 10,600 Tasmanians with disability are expected to benefit from the NDIS when fully implemented in July 2019.
  • Record funding for the fourth year in a row for community sector organisations - $270 million in total to support 225 community sector organisations, providing access to essential community services for Tasmanians, including $24.2 million to meet their obligations under the Fair Work Australia Equal Remuneration Order (ERO).
  • An additional $900,000 over two years to support the Lead Support Coordination Service trial, increasing its focus on providing services for young people with complex needs. Mission Australia, Baptcare and the Australian Red Cross have been appointed to deliver the Lead Support Coordination Service.
  • An additional $150,000 to COTA and Advocacy Tasmania to help protect older Tasmanians from abuse, which is on top of our election commitment of $450,000 over three years for the Protecting Older Tasmanians from Abuse: Tasmania’s Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy 2015-18.
  • For the second year in a row, additional funding of $15,000 each for our Neighbourhood and Community Houses totalling $445,000. Each house will also be provided with an additional $10,000 support payment to assist their valuable work in increasing social inclusion and to facilitate links to other vital services in their local communities. This brings the total investment in our Neighbourhood houses across the state to over $6 million.
  • Providing a new modernised $325,000 Derwent Valley Community House at Blair Street.

This funding is in addition to action the Government is taking to reduce cost of living pressures such as:

  • Capping electricity prices, which will save the average household around $300 on their power bill in the coming 12 months.
  • Taking control of TasWater, delivering lower prices to customers, saving the average household up to $550.
  • Making it more affordable to build your first home, by extending the First Home Builders’ Grant and reducing stamp duty on house and land packages.

The Tasmanian Government is committed to keeping the Budget in balance, because it means we can continue to invest more in essential services which benefit those most in need.