The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O'Byrne, today acknowledged plans by the Police Association of Tasmania to move a motion of no-confidence among members, against himself and therefore the State Government.

"Labor is built on some core human values. They include protecting the rights of working people, and re-distributing tax wealth to provide vital and sustainable services for the whole community," Mr O'Byrne said.

"As a Labor Government, it's our duty to provide strong, sustainable and affordable services - not just today, but next year, and for years to come.

"To do that - with GST revenue from the Commonwealth plummeting beyond our control - we must make responsible savings now.

"Those savings are designed to protect and sustain Tasmanian services into the future.

"This announcement by the Police Association is unfortunate, but not a surprise. It's a valid and recognised way of applying political pressure.

"As a Government, we understand that the PAT wants as many jobs and resources as possible for its members. That's the role of a strong union. And we understand they'll use various tactics to pursue that agenda.

"As a lifelong unionist, I respect the role of the Police Association, despite disagreeing with them on this issue.

"But we have to govern in the interests of all Tasmanians by making our vital services affordable and sustainable in years to come.

"Plunging Tasmania into deep debt levels that would cripple future budgets would've been wrong and irresponsible.

"Finding savings from every part of government except Tasmania Police would've been wrong and unfair.

"And making deep, excessive savings - like new Liberal governments are doing in other states - would've been wrong and destructive.

"Instead, we've got the balance right. It's a balance to ensure Tasmanians can rely on strong services now... but also afford to keep them in coming years," he said.

Tasmania remains among the safest communities in Australia, with crime rates falling to record lows.