The 2024-25 Budget to focus on Tasmanian jobs and cost of living

The 2024-25 State Budget will be handed down on 12 September and will deliver on the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

The State Budget drives the delivery of our Plan, which takes action right now on the things that matter to Tasmanians and makes life affordable.

Treasurer, Michael Ferguson, said the 2024-25 State Budget will be very good for jobs in Tasmania with ongoing investment in economically productive infrastructure and Tasmania’s frontline services.

“It will continue to back in our essential services, with increased funding to support our ever-increasing frontline,” the Treasurer said.

“And importantly, it will take strong action on the cost of living to help those Tasmanian families and businesses who are doing it tough in the face of a challenging national economy.”

The Treasurer said that the State Budget was the product of carefully, considered decisions by the Tasmanian Liberal Cabinet made in the best interests of Tasmanians. 

“The 2024-25 State Budget, shaped by many hundreds of careful, individual decisions, will strike a balance between managing the State's finances and delivering critical investments in Tasmania’s future.

“Although the national economic pressures are very real, there is optimism for better times ahead. The State Budget will support jobs and ensure continued investment in key infrastructure and services, while taking strong action to support Tasmanian families and businesses facing national economic pressures.

“As we forecast in last year’s Budget, the State has been faced with challenging national economic headwinds, with strong inflation and higher interest rates. Those conditions have only intensified on Tasmanians as a product of decisions made at the national level.

“But despite the difficulties, the Tasmanian Liberal Government remains resolute in delivering on its commitments to safeguard the State’s future. At a time when the national economy faces uncertainty, our Government has remained steadfast.

“We are focused on ensuring Tasmania emerges from these challenging times even stronger, with a clear plan that reflects the needs of our community and a Government committed to delivering on it.

“The Tasmanian Budget is under pressure following the necessary and difficult decisions made by our Government to keep Tasmanians safe, and protect jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Tasmanian Liberal Government also took the significant decision to establish the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

“The Budget will deliver the significant funding required as we progress the implementation of the recommendations. While this will have a material impact on the Budget, we must right the wrongs of the past 40 years and take the necessary actions to ensure that our children are kept safe.

“We need to meet these responsibilities.”

The 2024-25 Budget will be handed down next Thursday, 12 September.