The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Federal Budget, which will boost our Plan to take Tasmania to the next level.
The near $1 billion record investment in our state’s infrastructure is a testament to the strong partnership between the State and Federal Liberal Governments that is delivering for Tasmanians.
The funding includes $461 million for a new Bridgewater Bridge, $400 million for Roads of Strategic Importance and about $60 million for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program.
This investment will support continued jobs and economic growth in Tasmania, and build the infrastructure our growing state needs.
The Federal Government’s commitment to tax relief and putting downward pressure on the cost of living will also greatly benefit Tasmanians and our economy more broadly.
The Federal Government’s tax relief commitment will benefit more than 170,000 Tasmanian taxpayers; that means a significant tax break for more than two out of three Tasmanian workers.
This will help to reduce the cost of living and put more money in the pockets of Tasmanian households, and in turn more money will be spent locally.
The $25.3 million for the Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme and $47.5 million for the Tamar River Clean-up are confirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to these important projects.
The Federal Budget confirms that Tasmania’s share of GST remains strong, with an additional $190 million across the forward estimates on current forecasts.
While we are still working through the finer details, we welcome the ongoing funding certainty for health, housing and education as promised by the Federal Government.
We look forward to continuing to work with our Federal colleagues to deliver on their investments and make Tasmania an even better place to live, work and raise a family.