Peter Gutwein’s COVID infrastructure package has missed an opportunity to build a better Tasmania.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said Tasmania’s recovery from COVID-19 must be about much more than a return to normal.
“Coming out of this crisis the government had a real opportunity to reshape Tasmania, allowing everyone to share in the benefits of a rebuilt economy,” Ms White said.
“Labor applauds the government for putting social housing at the centre of its infrastructure package, and we genuinely hope delivery will meet the expectations set today.
“But while today’s announcement is welcome, the opportunity to make improvements in the quality of life for all Tasmanians has been overlooked.
“What’s missing in today’s announcement is the vision for a better, fairer, more inclusive Tasmanian economy.
“Labor knows the importance of the building and construction industry to Tasmania’s economy, but it’s not the only important contributor.
“Independent economist Saul Eslake warned the government just yesterday that an increased construction spend would not necessarily help those hardest hit by COVID-19 job losses – women and young people – and called for long-term support to the tourism, hospitality and arts sectors.
“Since the start of this pandemic, more than 20,000 Tasmanians have lost their jobs and thousands have had their hours reduced.
“We should be looking to diversify the economy so we don’t just return to a pre-COVID Tasmania, where not everyone was doing well.
“Government assistance for industry must be tied to businesses building a better framework of economic security for workers. Without job security the decisions workers make on a daily basis on where and how they spend their money in our economy will be severely restricted. Job security builds consumer confidence, it builds a stronger economy.
“We need a Tasmania where anyone can get meaningful, secure employment.
“We need to upskill and retrain Tasmanians to be ready to support our growth industries, and ready to step into the jobs of the future. Labor’s Free TAFE policy would make that happen.
“We have an opportunity now to rebuild the state in a way that is agile, resilient and fair. We must make sure we do not lose that opportunity.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
