Nic Street, Leader of the House,
With Parliament resuming tomorrow for the 2022-23 Budget session, the Rockliff Liberal Government continues to get on with the job of delivering on the issues that matter to all Tasmanians.
Since the Parliament last sat, the Government has been busy delivering key initiatives to improve the lives of Tasmanians.
This includes:
- Delivering dozens of pop-up flu clinics in rural and regional locations with free flu vaccines provided to thousands of Tasmanians;
- The launch of a new linear accelerator at the North West Regional Hospital’s Cancer Centre, improving access to lifesaving cancer care in the State;
- Achieving planning approval for the largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmanian history – the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge;
- Supporting our resources sector with fabrication starting on Tasmania’s new mineral shiploader for the Port of Burnie;
- Backing the establishment of a new regional organic waste processing facility in southern Tasmania;
- Boosting community services with the redevelopment of Latrobe’s hydrotherapy pool; and
- Increasing access to accommodation for the homeless with a contract awarded to build a new 50-bed crisis and transitional accommodation facility in Hobart.
This week, the Treasurer will introduce the Appropriation Bills Nos 1 and 2 to deliver the 2022-23 State Budget, which is designed to strengthen Tasmania’s future and deliver for all Tasmanians. The Budget will continue to focus on what matters to Tasmanians: health, education, housing, and building safe, inclusive, thriving communities.
The Government has a strong legislative agenda in both houses of Parliament this week including introduction of legislation dealing with major projects, and occupational licensing.
As Minister for Local Government, I will also be introducing the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2022 tomorrow which, if passed by the Parliament, will make voting compulsory at the local government elections later this year.
Debate will include the Government’s legislation dealing with changes to land tax and duties to deliver our foreign investor surcharge commitments and our legislation to deliver stronger workplace protections. Debate will also continue on the Government’s program in the Legislative Council, including the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Criminal Code Amendment Bill and Youth Justice Amendment (Searches In Custody) Bill.
The Liberal team has a strong plan and a busy Parliamentary agenda, and we are getting on with the job of delivering for all Tasmanians.
The question remains, will Dr Shane Broad follow through with his talk of wanting greater expenditure and produce Labor’s first properly costed and detailed alternative Budget?
Labor has been in Opposition for nearly three thousand days and has never produced an alternative Budget; maybe Dr Broad will be the Shadow Treasurer to change that.
It’s only the Tasmanian Liberal Government that has the proven record and experienced team to continue to support Tasmanians, our businesses, and our community, as we strengthen Tasmania’s future.
