Premier Peter Gutwein’s State of the State Address delivered yesterday, is strong testament the Tasmanian majority Liberal Government’s strategy to create greater opportunity for Tasmanians is working, with announcements today strongly welcomed by stakeholders across the state.
We announced over 30 new strategies, initiatives and funding commitments to ensure we are delivering a better future for Tasmania.
TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey, welcomed the support for business in Tasmania.
“The speech contained a number of important announcements, none more so than the long-awaited release of major projects legislation. We need to have a sensible approach that gives the business community the confidence to bring forward major projects with the certainty that they will get a fair hearing from government,” Mr Bailey said.
Shelter Tas, welcomed the announcement of an additional $22 million to be spent on building new affordable social rental homes.
“This injection of $22 million is a much needed boost to social housing supply, meaning more housing that stays affordable in the long term for Tasmanians in need. The lack of affordable housing is the number one cause of homelessness in the State. These new properties will enable people to access a safe and affordable home sooner,” Shelter Tas Chief Executive Officer,” Pattie Chugg said.
While Housing Choices Australia said:
“We welcome today's announcement by the Tasmanian Government for more social and affordable housing... This is an enormous commitment and we commend the Tasmanian Government for paving the way in creating solutions for Australia's housing crisis.”
The Property Council of Australia applauded the Premier’s commitment to reduce red tape in Tasmania.
“… it’s fantastic to see the Government adopting our plan. Simplifying planning approvals processes and releasing more land for development will result in more homes being built, more jobs being created and most importantly, more Tasmanians with a roof over their heads,” Tasmanian Executive Director of the Property Council, Brian Wightman
The Tasmanian Small Business Council's CEO Robert Mallett applauded investment into employment support:
"Yesterday’s announcement that $1.3 Million will be invested in an employment hub in Tasmania’s northern suburbs is to be applauded and supported. The additional support to the South East Employment Hub based in Sorrel is similarly good news. The Tasmanian Small Business Council looks forward to playing a positive part in advising small business owners of the opportunities the hub will provide," Mr Mallett said.
The Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) welcomed investment in the development of Tasmania’s first ever whole of government Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.
“YNOT welcomes the development of a comprehensive, whole of government Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy to ensure that all children and young people in Tasmania can flourish and live their best life,” Tania Hunt, CEO said.
The Commissioner of Children and Young People Leanne McLean also supported the announcement.
“Investing in the wellbeing of children and young people not only upholds their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child but also provides the foundation for prosperity for all Tasmanians, irrespective of age,” Ms McLean said.
Regarding future funding agreements for community managed mental health services being at least 3 years, replacing the current 12 month funding cycle the Mental Health Council of Tasmania said:
“MHCT and our members have long advocated for this change, and we welcome the announcement and the stability, viability, and security to effectively forward plan the longer agreements will allow.”
While Palliative Care Tasmania said they were thrilled to continue their vital work due to a one million dollar commitment over two years.
Tasmania’s peak tourism industry body the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania has welcomed the package of marketing activity.
‘While Tasmania has not been as impacted as other places across the country, there is no doubt we face an uncertain few months and its critical Tourism Tasmania have the marketing resources to protect and grow our market share,” CEO, Luke Martin said.
While, Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said:
“… it is great to see the Premier showing leadership by providing Tourism Tasmania with further extra funds to market our state and bring visitors to our hotels, pubs, accommodation venues, cafes and restaurants.”
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley thanked the Tasmanian Government for continuing the Ticket to Play initiative:
“We know cost can be a barrier to sports participation access for many families, and we congratulate the Government for continuing to address this issue so that more Tasmanians can reap the benefits of playing sport,” Mr Bulkeley said.
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