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Federal Budget

PublishedMay 14, 2015
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Federal Government's commitment to Tasmania in tonight's Federal Budget.

While we continue to work through the detail, we are pleased to receive more than $300 million in infrastructure initiatives to create jobs and build on the momentum in our economy.

The $203 million investment in the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme is a game­ changer for our state, and will give the Tasmanian economy a massive boost.

The $60 million in funding for the tranche 2 irrigation schemes will transform the landscape of agriculture in Tasmania, strengthen our regional communities and create hundreds of new jobs.

It is good news that the Budget confirms $59.8 million in Federal funding for the first tranche of the Freight Rail Revitalisation Program. Combined with matching state funding, this will mean a total investment of nearly $120 million in our freight rail network.

These Tasmanian initiatives will encourage further economic growth and job creation across the state.

In addition, we strongly endorse the Federal Government's commitment to small businesses through the Jobs and Small Business Package. This will support Tasmania's 35,000-plus small businesses, the engine room of our economy.

The doubling of the Tasmanian Jobs Program wage subsidy over six months is also very positive, and will further assist employers to expand their business and employ new staff.

While as expected there is no line item for the Mersey Community Hospital, we are very close to finalising a funding deal and I am confident a positive outcome will be announced soon.

The Budget has also confirmed our fair share of GST funding, as determined by the independent Commonwealth Grants Commission.

Our officials are continuing to work through the finer details of the Budget and we will make further comment as appropriate. We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the Federal Government to secure more jobs, economic growth and better outcomes for Tasmanians.

 

Will Hodgman, Premier

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