Tasmania is doing worse than the rest of the country on many key social and economic indicators.
Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said the TCCI’s Tasmania Report is a warning to Will Hodgman to focus on getting the basics right.
“While this report shows economic growth is comparable to other strong periods in Tasmania’s recent history, it flags concern about risks and challenges the government is failing to address.
“There are signs of weakness in key economic indicators, and concern about the long-term strength of Tasmania’s regional economies.
“Virtually all social outcomes are below the national average, with health outcomes the starkest example.
“This is not the time for the Liberals to be patting themselves on the back.”
Mr O’Byrne said the report questions whether community needs can be met if budget projections of close to zero increases in spending are to be achieved.
“Tasmanians are very familiar with the boom and bust cycle for our economy. It’s the role of government to make best use of these times and to prepare for tougher economic conditions.
“Will Hodgman has benefited from favourable international and national conditions, but that’s not being translated into good outcomes for Tasmanians in fundamental areas like employment, health outcomes, wages growth and housing affordability.
“The things that Will Hodgman’s government is 100% responsible for are failing. We have a health system in crisis, issues with housing affordability and increasing homelessness, and chronic underinvestment in the infrastructure needed to support a growing population.
“The do-nothing approach of this government is a recipe for precarious prosperity.”
David O’Byrne
Shadow Treasurer
