Delivering on our Plan – Building Your Future

Tasmania is now a much stronger, prouder and more confident place to be. Our economy is one of the strongest in the country, our Budget is under control, and we are able to invest more into essential services.

The 2018-19 Budget delivers on all the commitments we made under our Plan to Build Your Future.

The Budget delivers a record $2.6 billion investment in job creating infrastructure including new schools, better hospitals and road upgrades throughout Tasmania.

We are building new schools for families in growth areas, as well as major upgrades to learning facilities throughout the state. Six new Early Learning Hubs will be established and $18 million invested to build and upgrade Kindergartens across Tasmania.

Building on our record investment in Tasmania’s health system, the Budget will fund expansions in our four major hospitals, boost resources for our rural hospitals and deliver new ambulance stations.

The Budget delivers upgrades to State Roads throughout Tasmania and funds the widening of the West Tamar Highway, delivers our South East Traffic Solution to tackle Hobart’s traffic congestion, and commences work on a new Bridgewater Bridge.

A further $51.7 million will be invested to upgrade roads around the state in key tourism destinations.

Tasmania’s economy has come a long way over the past four years with more than 11,000 new jobs created, but we know there is more work to be done.

That’s why we are extending targeted small business grants and the Payroll Tax Rebate to support the training of 3,000 additional apprentices and trainees, as well as establishing TasTAFE Centres of Excellence focused on key industries to ensure young Tasmanians are equipped with the skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

We are investing more than $150 million to grow a competitive, innovative, sustainable, and profitable farming sector.

Importantly, my Government is also delivering practical measures to take the pressure off household budgets.

We’re also responding to cost of living pressures with almost $300 million dedicated to reducing household expenses such as water and electricity costs.

The 2018-19 Budget delivers an additional $125 million to implement Stage II of our Affordable Housing Strategy to provide an additional 1,500 new affordable homes and assist 2,000 households who need it most.

All Tasmanians have the right to be safe in their community, this is why we will put an additional 125 police officers on the beat and will strengthen Tasmania’s response to the problems posed by all drugs in our society, and particularly ice.

It is important to remember that the gains we have made wouldn’t have occurred if it were not for our strong financial management.

The 2018-19 Budget continues our commitment to remain in surplus and live within our means.

Tasmania’s best days are ahead of us – but only if we plan responsibly for the future.

The 2018-19 Budget charts the path my Government will take to take Tasmania to the next level.