State of the State 2026

Check against delivery

Speaker,

It is with great pleasure that I stand before the House to update members on the State of the State.

I am proud and ambitious about where our state is, and where we are heading.

We have exciting days ahead of us.

We have exciting years ahead of us.

We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities before us.

And to ensure Tasmania remains the best state to live, to work, to invest, and to raise a family.

Speaker, it is regrettable that last year political games resulted in an unnecessary election being forced upon the state.

Work to implement our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future was disrupted.

But the people have spoken, and we are getting on with the job.

We are making up for lost time.

We are delivering for Tasmania.

Building a strong economy.

And a caring community.

This is a government that encourages enterprise, economic growth, reward for effort and a community that looks out for each other.

We are a government of action.

And a government with a firm eye on the future.

Speaker, Tasmania may be a small state in size and population.

But we have big talent, big ideas, and big ambitions.

We are a state entering a new era of opportunity.

And the foundations we have laid will build a prosperous future.

Speaker, this year will be remembered as the year work started on the Macquarie Point Stadium.

The stadium is much more than a structure.

It is an enabler.

It brings the multi-million-dollar industry of professional football and entertainment to our island.

It will drive a tourism, events, hospitality, and a jobs boom.

And it shows, indeed, we can get things done.

We can say yes.

We can achieve things when we set our minds to it.

As I’ve travelled across the state over the summer, I have heard - loud and clear - the positive and passionate voices backing in that decision.

They say: good on you and your team.

And all those right across the Parliament who voted - good on you for standing up for what you believe in and to make this make this happen.

Good on you for not letting this opportunity slip from our grasp.

And I can say to them: We will get this done.

We will get this done.

And we will ensure the stadium benefits the entire state.

We are working together with a coalition of peak organisations to ensure communities across the island share in this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

There is another exciting project not far from where we are turning an industrial wasteland into a state-of-the-art precinct.

At Wharf Six, we are building a permanent home for our flagship icebreaker the Nuyina.

The redevelopment will cement our place as the global gateway to Antarctica and a major hub for tourism and trade. 

Tasmania has a long history of connection with the Antarctic.

It’s a connection of which we are rightfully proud.

It is also an important economic driver for our state.

It contributes more than $180 million a year and employs over 850 people.

Like the stadium, this was a project that may never have gone ahead.

Like the stadium, it took a team effort, including strong support from the Federal Government, to move this along.

Again, it shows co-operation and goodwill across the political divide can achieve great things.

And that’s exactly what is happening as our state enters a new era of opportunity in energy.

Work has begun on our brand-new connection to the mainland.

Like the stadium, Marinus was a tough call politically - but the right one.

Marinus is the new chapter of our hydro-industrialisation story.

When you consider the benefits, it is Hydro on steroids.

More than 130 years ago the streets of Launceston were lit up by electricity from the Duck Reach Power Station.

Now, the next stage in our proud history of being at the forefront of renewable energy is coming to life in the state’s north-west.

Tasmania was built by those who had a vision for hydro power.

And those who toiled to make it a reality.

Renewable energy has given us an enormous advantage as the world clamours to harness the benefits of the global energy transition.

While others argue, we build.

Marinus will drive new investment in wind and solar generation and allow us to reap the rewards of being able to store and trade mainland power.

And it will ensure Tasmanians continue to have the lowest power prices in the nation.

Also in our north, we will be supporting the delivery of Launceston’s new convention centre.

The project will transform the derelict Kings Wharf and be a game-changer for the north’s visitor economy.

In recent months we have seen how events and hospitality can drive economic benefit.

The Foo Fighters, Festivale, and Party in the Paddock.

Tasmania knows how to welcome the world - and the north is no exception.

We know how to welcome visitors, to celebrate, and to enjoy no matter where we are in Tasmania.

Honourable speaker, this year will also mark our new Spirits of Tasmania entering service on Bass Strait.

We all know the challenges we have faced with this massive undertaking.

We said we would sort the spirits, and that’s exactly what we have done.

I commend the new team at TT-Line and all those involved in the construction of the new spirit gateway at Devonport for their outstanding work.

It’s been a big job.

Replacing the company’s entire fleet and building two brand-new berths all at the same time was a massive challenge.

But it also brings massive benefits.

Like the Antarctic gateway, like the stadium, like Marinus, the significant investments we are making in TT-Line will set up the company, and the state, for decades to come.

Our investment will totally rebuild TT-Line - its ships and its port facilities.
That will future proof our vital link to the mainland.

It will allow us to continue to celebrate our Spirits.

We will also work to deliver the planned transformation of Wilkinsons Point.

This is a fantastic opportunity unlocking around half a billion dollars’ worth of investment.

It will include a hotel, a family resort, retail spaces and improved waterfront activation.

The project will drive sustained investment in an area that has long remained under-utilised.

This isn’t just about buildings; it’s about creating a destination that residents and visitors alike can enjoy for generations.

And I say to all people willing to invest here, come to Tasmania.

We have an exciting future ahead of us.

That's what drives me and our team.

Building a strong economy.

And a caring community.

To ensure our young people have a bright future.

We want our kids to live here, to work here, to stay here, and to be part of this community.

The redevelopment of Wilkinson’s Point is the key to unlocking the potential of the adjoining land at Dowsing Point.

Dowsing Point represents one of the most significant opportunities we have to address Tasmania’s growing housing needs.

For decades, this area has been tied up in Commonwealth Defence holdings, limiting its potential and preventing us from using well‑located land to support Tasmanian families.

Today, that changes.

We are calling on the Commonwealth to transition surplus Defence land at Dowsing Point into productive community use.

By unlocking this land, we can open the door to new housing, new community spaces, and new opportunities for growth.

Our plan is to ensure that once this land is released, it is developed thoughtfully and sustainably.

We will deliver the infrastructure, services, and planning certainty needed to create a vibrant, well‑connected neighbourhood that supports families and strengthens our broader housing supply.

This is about taking positive, practical action.

And it’s about ensuring more Tasmanians have a secure place to call home.

Dowsing Point can and should play a key role in Tasmania’s housing future - and today, we take an important step forward and toward making that future real.

In my State of the State address last year, I spoke of the need to cut red tape and boost productivity.

And that’s exactly what we have been doing.

For too long, unnecessary regulation and outdated processes have created barriers to growth and innovation.

That’s why our government is committed to reviewing, reducing, and reforming the rules that hold back progress.

We are doing so while still maintaining the protections that keep our communities safe and our environment strong.

We’re streamlining approvals for housing and infrastructure projects, digitising government services, and improving coordination right across government.

These changes mean less time filling out forms and more time focusing on outcomes - building homes, creating jobs, and supporting a more agile economy.

It’s not just about making things easier.

It’s about making things more affordable.

Cutting regulation doesn’t just save time.

It saves money.

Red tape forces up the cost of building new homes.

And cutting it makes new homes more affordable.

I would have liked to have made even more progress on this mission to cut red tape Speaker.

The election no one needed did put a pause on progress.

But that has only made us more determined than ever to win our war on unnecessary regulation.

This is particularly important for our small businesses.

Small business is central to Tasmania’s economic strength.

Not just providing jobs.

But ensuring the vitality of our local communities.

And this government backs small business 100 per cent.

Speaker, we’ll be aided in this mission by the extraordinary opportunities rapidly being unlocked by AI.

Our government is fully embracing the AI revolution.

We are harnessing it across the state service to drive efficiencies and improve service delivery.

For instance, we are incorporating AI into PlanBuild meaning development applications and permits will be processed much sooner.

We are also ensuring appropriate guardrails are in place to manage the challenges faced in navigating the way forward.

Speaker, as we enter 2026, Tasmania’s visitor economy stands at a moment of real opportunity.

We enter the year with momentum, with confidence and with ambition.

2025 was a remarkable year for Tasmania’s visitor economy, with visitation to the state breaking pre-COVID levels.

Tasmania welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors across the year with over $4.5 billion injected into our economy.

Tasmania is just not competing; we are standing out.

Speaker, 2026 is about taking Tasmania’s story to the world.

With our capital city named Expedia’s Destination of the Year for 2026, Tasmania is firmly in the global spotlight.

Access into and around Tasmania is a foundation of our strategy and our government is partnering with Tasmanian airports to drive increased visitation to Tasmania.

The return of Air New Zealand’s direct flights from Auckland to Hobart are providing fast and easy international access.

Since it started more than 80,000 passengers have travelled between Auckland and Hobart.

We have also invested in the first-ever direct service between Newcastle and Hobart.

And in May, new direct flights will start from Canberra to Launceston.

Launceston Airport passenger numbers have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Music to the ears of tourism operators and local businesses alike in Northern Tasmania.

Our government is also supporting more than 150 events that drive visitation, especially through the quieter months.

In 2026, we will continue to invest in events that fill our streets, our venues and our accommodation.

Tasmania’s visitor economy supports 1 in 6 Tasmanian jobs, and its continued growth is critical to our state’s prosperity.

Speaker, in my inaugural speech in this place more than a few years ago, I said how proud I was to be shadow minister for the arts.

I said then - that investment by government and business in the arts is not subsidising artistic expression.

It is an investment in community development, in diversity, creativity and cultural identity.

I spoke of my passionate belief that the arts empower communities.

I am as dedicated today as I was then.

This government has a strong record of investment in the arts.

We are proud of our support for the TSO, for TMAG, and QV-MAG, along with theatres across the state.

We have also launched a number of exciting new initiatives.

They include our incentive scheme to bring more high-budget screen productions to our state.

And our grants program for youth arts.

We have built the Unconformity Festival into not just a draw card for the West Coast, but an important cultural event on the national arts calendar.

And we will continue to build on that strong record.

Today, I am also proud to announce we are developing a new strategic plan to boost arts and culture in Tasmania, making it truly a state of artistic expression and excellence.

Investment in arts and culture is good for our visitor economy.

It’s good for our regions.

It’s good for the wellbeing and health of all Tasmanians.

And it’s good to bring us together as an even more inclusive community.

Speaker, we are also progressing our election commitment to deliver TasInsure.

Our vision is clear.

Tasmanians are paying too much for insurance.

It means many are underinsured.

Or not insuring at all.

It is a significant contributor to the cost-of-living pressures.

I have been very disappointed with the ongoing attacks on this policy.

What is so wrong with identifying a problem facing Tasmanians, and tackling it head on?

Sure, it’s not an easy task.

But it’s worth working hard to fix it. 

We won’t be distracted by the usual relentless negativity from the naysayers.

Or from those seeking to protect their own commercial interests.

We will work with anyone who brings to the table a desire to assist Tasmanians who simply cannot afford the protection that those on higher incomes take for granted.

We are doing this because we care about the cost of living and will do everything we can to help Tasmanians make ends meet.

We do so Speaker because Tasmania is a caring community.

We look out for each other.

We strive to build a community in which we can all feel safe and connected.
We foster a caring community by listening.

And supporting those in need.

We do so by ensuring we have a strong economy.

Where we have secure jobs.

And where those who are struggling are given a helping hand.

And that’s what a strong economy allows us to do.

And that can be seen in our record investment in health.

It is true that meeting ever-growing demand is an ongoing challenge.

Health investment now makes up one in every three dollars of the entire state budget.

Our recent landmark National Health Agreement is a big win for our state and is a significant step in the right direction.

It means an additional $700 million from the Federal Government. 

We fought hard to get it.

It took two years, but we got there.

And we’ll keep fighting for our fair share.

And we must.

Because - increasingly - we are stepping in to help support primary health care: something that is the Federal government’s responsibility.

Take for instance GP funding.

It’s a Federal Government obligation.

But we know seeing a GP is still difficult and expensive for Tasmanians.

Indeed, it costs more to see a GP in Tasmania than anywhere else in the nation.

And that’s putting pressure on our entire health system, especially in our emergency departments in hospitals across our state.

That’s why we are stepping up and stepping in.

We will soon be announcing another four new 100 per cent bulk billing GP clinics to reduce out of pocket expenses and improve access to health services.

That’s on top of the one we are opening in Huon.

We are also providing interest-free loans and grants to support GPs in establishing clinics and attracting doctors.

We are also advancing our Virtual ED capacity so more Tasmanians can receive the health care they need in their own homes.

Honourable speaker a particular focus for our government is to improve women’s health across our state.

Including access to vital reproductive healthcare.

Pharmacies are now providing more health services for Tasmanian women without the need for a GP visit.

This means essential services are more accessible and reduce barriers to timely care for women.

We are also prioritising awareness and support for chronic women’s health conditions, including endometriosis.

Our IVF subsidy will give more women equitable access to fertility care and help them fulfil their dream of starting or expanding their family.

We have demonstrated a clear focus on improving health outcomes for Tasmanian women - enhancing access, affordability, and quality of care.

Speaker, this government knows that education is the key to ensuring Tasmania continues to prosper.

Strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics are essential for every child’s future, and Tasmania has made this a clear priority.

Through targeted investment, early intervention programs, and a strong focus on evidence-based teaching, schools are better equipped to support students at every stage of learning.

Initiatives such as early years literacy screening, additional classroom support, and professional learning for teachers have helped ensure kids who need extra help are identified early and supported effectively.

And at the same time, high-quality curriculum resources and consistent assessment have strengthened teaching practice across the state.

These efforts are making a real difference in classrooms - building confidence, improving engagement, and giving students the skills they need to succeed at school and beyond.

By continuing to invest in literacy and numeracy, Speaker, the Tasmanian Government is investing in equity, opportunity, and a stronger future for our community.

The improvements we have seen in literacy in our schools should be celebrated.

Education is the bedrock for building a better future. 

And I acknowledge and applaud the efforts of the dedicated teachers and support staff who make such a difference in the lives of our young people.

We were right in changing the law to ensure our young people who were not in full time employment either stayed in school for years 11 and 12 or undertook vocational training.

Be it as plumbers or professors, we are ensuring young people have the best start in life to become productive members of our community.

Speaker, along with highlighting the investments we are making to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we have acknowledged the ongoing challenges we face with our budget position.

We are committed to ensuring our state lives within its means.

The increase in government investment that saved us from economic devastation during Covid cannot become baked into our budget.

It must be brought back to a sustainable footing.

We will do so in a careful and compassionate manner.

We will not slash and burn.

We will not send shockwaves through our economy that would undermine its strength.

We will continue to ensure that it’s not just our state service that should be as productive as possible.

We also want to see our Government Owned Businesses follow our lead and find savings to ensure they are delivering the most cost-effective services for the people of Tasmania.

We will today be directing government businesses to identify savings just as we are doing across the state service.

In this important task, we must take a team Tasmania approach.

And Speaker, in line with our election commitment, we will not be introducing new or increased taxes.

We will not be punishing people for working hard and seeking a better life.

We are a government that seeks to incentivise, not inhibit or demotivate.

Speaker, as we strive to keep making Tasmania’s economy stronger now is the time to ensure we have the right machinery of government to keep driving growth.

Over a decade ago, the Hodgman Liberal Government established the Department of State Growth.

DSG was created to aggressively grow the economy and create jobs.

Since then, over 50,000 new jobs have been created, and the economy has thrived.

Tasmania is today a very different place than it was ten years ago.

Our economy has grown strongly.

It’s close to seventy per cent bigger than it was when we came to government.

And with that growth now comes new opportunity.

Now is not the time to rest or be complacent.

Now is the time to do more.

Now is the time to keep on Building Tasmania.

Not just for the next few years, but for the decades ahead.

A strong state doesn’t just wait for the future to happen; it rolls up its sleeves and makes things happen.

That’s what we do.

That’s what we will keep doing.

Today I am announcing the Department of State Growth will undergo a total transformation.

It will be repositioned to make the most of this new era of opportunity that awaits us.

Over the coming months we will create a new delivery-focused department called Building Tasmania.

Headed by Minister Vincent, Building Tasmania will ensure our ongoing infrastructure delivery, so the state continues to move forward.

It will get things built.

It will get things done.

It will supercharge delivery of the housing, the roads, the infrastructure our state needs to be fit for the future.

Functions within the old DSG will be realigned with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, including a new Economic Development entity to keep driving our growth agenda.

A new entity incorporating Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania will also be established to keep forging our state’s future as a destination economy and a leader in the arts.

These changes will ensure the state service is best able to support Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses with an agile, streamlined and client-centred focus.

The reshaping of the state service will ensure the appropriate right sizing of the organisation with a reduction in headcount in line with our election commitment.

It will help improve the budget, freeing up more than a quarter of a billion dollars.

Most importantly, it will help build a more effective and productive state service.

These changes will take place over coming months with absolute consideration to ensure our workforce is involved, supported and respected.

Speaker, in conclusion: 2026 is a year of delivery.

It is a year of opportunity.

As the world continues to be a place of uncertainty and upheaval, Tasmania stands proud as a beacon of economic opportunity, of community cohesion, of community connection, of vast beauty, wonder, and potential.

Our mission is to support Tasmanians to live their best lives.

To encourage, to assist, and to ensure no one is left behind.

We have been blessed to have won the lottery of life and to be living in the best place in the world.

And we do not take that for granted.

We will continue to build a strong economy, and a caring community for our children, and for the generations to come.