We commit to ensuring that the $42.5 million in road funding for North-East freight roads that was announced three years ago is expedited and spent on priority projects such as the Bridport Main Road as a matter of urgency.

We will build on this investment and provide up to further $6 million for new projects to immediately support jobs, roads and the North-East community.

Over the last four years the State Liberals have taken the time listen and understand the challenges the people of the North-East face. As a result the party has committed to a range of initiatives aimed at supporting and creating local jobs, building local roads and the investing in the broader community in its North-East Package.

The initiatives we are announcing today will ensure that local roads are upgraded and importantly local jobs are created.

Furthermore in addition to the funding commitments made today a Hodgman Liberal Government also understands very much the concerns of the agricultural and forestry sectors here in Dorset. We know that water development has not been at the pace that the community would like or needs and we are committed to ensuring that water projects in the North East are given the priority attention they deserve.

The forestry sector faces challenges in both the short and longer term. We are prepared to back the industry as we have in the past and will commit to working side by side with it to face the challenges ahead. We have already acknowledged the need for short term assistance for contractors and will continue to listen and act when necessary to ensure that this very important industry sector remains supported.

We commit to expediting the $42.5M for North east freight routes as after three years the community has waited long enough. Dorset council have made a strong case for $10M of this funding to be committed to the Scottsdale to Bridport main Rd as one of the priority projects for the NE which we support.

The new projects announced today are:

• $4 million to continue the Lilydale Road upgrade. This is not conditional on federal funding however there is an expectation that the Federal Government will also commit funding. Furthermore our new independent body, Infrastructure Tasmania, will provide advice to government on prioritising roads in the North-East for the State’s Infrastructure Plan. This will ensure funding certainty in future based on independently assessed priorities.
• $1 million to begin works on the unsealed section of the Tomahawk to Gladstone road. This road is a key tourism and freight link road around the North East and the proposed works should assist contractors who have lost work due to the delay in the Musselroe wind farm project. Support from the Federal Government will also be sought.
• The proposed Bridport Western Road Access Project will be referred to Infrastructure Tasmania for consideration as a part of its development of a strategic infrastructure plan.
• $150,000 will be committed to upgrade the Bridport Recreation Ground as a first step to enable it to develop into a multi-purpose facility able to service the needs of this growing community into the future.
• $120,000 will be provided over three years to enable the Scottsdale Ex- Services and Community Club to undertake urgently needed repairs and maintenance and commence capital projects.
• $60,000 is committed over three years to assist the continued development of the North East Rivers festival and especially the centrepiece of this festival the iconic Derby River Derby.
• $75,000 will be provided over three years to enable the Dorset Men’s Shed to continue the appointment of a part-time co-ordinator to enable it to continue its vital work in supporting men through a range of initiatives.
• $100,000 for a feasibility study to be conducted by the Department of Economic Development on the benefits to the North-East community of attracting an international golf event at the Barnbougle Dunes golf course at Bridport.
• $90,000 towards new changing rooms and office facilities to further enhance the Bridport Bowls Club’s growing operations.
• $150,000 to strengthen aged care services in the North-East and to allow for a feasibility study to look at ways to improve aged care in the North-East.
• $70,000 to assist the Scottsdale Football Club to undertake essential maintenance at its clubrooms and meet a shortfall in the cost of lighting its ground.
• $75,000 to enable the Dorset Council to develop rest rooms/comfort stop facilities in Derby to enhance services available to visitors and build on the development that has occurred in recent years.

These announcements add to the Rapid Response GP Unit and Development Fund, already announced for Northern Tasmania. The Tasmanian Liberals understand Tasmanians are entitled to health care when and where they need it.

A Hodgman Liberal Government will fund a $500,000 a year to a Rapid Response GP and Development Fund to ensure no Tasmanian is left without primary health care in the event of unexpected GP shortages. Lack of access to primary health care puts additional pressure on hospitals and can compromise the health of Tasmanians.

The RRDF will be managed by GP North and GP Workforce in the north of the State, and will have the ability to act swiftly to respond to community needs, with a team comprising a GP, practice nurse and practice manager, to ensure patients have continuity of care in urban and regional communities in the north of the State.

The announcements today will improve community infrastructure, build on current investments in the North east and importantly create local jobs for local people.

Drive our Economy Forward
Backing Business to Invest in Renewable Energy
Four-Lane Midland Highway
Getting Better Returns from Government Businesses
Making Tasmania a Magnet
Protecting and Creating Jobs in our Tourism Industry
Statewide Residential Planning Code
Tasmania’s World Class Tarkine – Growing our Tourism Potential
Fixing Tasmania’s Critical Infrastructure
Farming for the Future
Urgent repairs to the Midland Highway
Building Better Regional Roads
Abolishing Land Tax
Putting Tasmanian Products on the World Stage
Deliver Accountable Government
A New Culture of Accountability and Transparency
Fixed Terms
Greater Budget Honesty
Achieve Better Health Results
Smarter Health Care for the North
A New Generation Royal Hobart Hospital
At-Risk Children
Better Quality of Life for Tasmanians with Disabilities
A Fairer Tasmania
The Sooner the Better: No more Endless Waiting Lists
Upgrading the Mersey
Equity for North-West Cancer Patients
Exciting new health services for Tasmanians with the Royal Flying Doctors
More step down beds for the Huon
Raise Education Standards
Free Bus Travel for Students
Pathway Planning
Supporting students with Autism
A better deal for Teacher Aides and Support Staff
Better retention and results – ending the experimentation with our education system
Protect our lifestyle & strengthen our community
Continuing to make our Roads Safer
Double Demerits
Forest Protests
Linking Responsibility – At School and on the Road
Mandatory Employment Screening For All People Working with Children
Parole Board
Police Highway Traffic Patrols and High Visibility Police Vehicles
Police Workers Compensation
Road Safety Authority
Sentencing Advisory Council
Sex Offender Programs
Tougher Sentences for Sex Crimes
Vehicle Impoundment Program
Saving lives – providing specialist smoke alarms
Light Rail in Hobart

Fixing Labor’s Water and Sewerage Debacle
Using social media to reduce street violence
Supporting our Surf Life Savers
Strengthening Penalties for Arson
A Plastic Shopping Bag Free Tasmania
A New ‘Chance’ for young people in Glenorchy
Lights for King George V Oval, Glenorchy
Tackling Tamar Silt
Protecting Launceston from Flood
Devonport Aquatic Centre
Recognising and supporting grandparent carers

With the Tasmania Tomorrow reforms in relative disarray, this standout college was worth fighting for. It’s one of the best in the nation simply because of Northern Tasmanian effort and enterprise which is our trademark.

Congratulations to everyone involved, especially our students, who fought for an institution which is valuable, effective and needed.

I’m so glad that something that so many people of goodwill built from nothing has been saved through their continued positive actions.

The fight is far from over, but victory is in sight.

This is not a win for any politician – it is a victory for decent people who care about our youth.

Cynically, the deal included the transfer of the ATC’s purpose-built facilities for integration into the Bartlett Labor Government’s failed Tasmania Tomorrow experiment.

As someone who worked tirelessly with our local community to qualify for and establish one of the 25 ATCs, I was terribly disappointed that the combined efforts of so many people of genuine goodwill in our community were to be dashed as a result of pure government bloody-mindedness. However, despite the successful growth of student numbers, awards, solid employment outcomes and broad community support – we Liberals were not surprised. It was only ever a matter of time that Labor would shut down a successful pathway for our young people.

There are two facts which go a fair way to explaining why Labor hate the ATCs so much:

1. The ATC training model is an initiative of the former Howard Government to improve the quality and status of trades training. The existence of the colleges therefore bears witness to Liberal effort, which does not support the massive egos of Rudd and Bartlett;
2. The ATCs are a success in stark contrast to David Bartlett’s botched reforms of our public college system and TAFE and this success therefore dampens his magnificence.

Vain pride ahead of what’s good for our young people? You bet.

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett and Deputy Prime Minister Julie Gillard should hang their heads in shame at their disgraceful abandonment of one of the best-performing technical education institutions in the state.

The wisdom of the ATC vision and the local implementation are proven – and will always deserve recognition as a great success even in the face of constant opposition. Local trade-based industries love the flexibility and responsiveness that the ATC can offer as well as the assurance that the training is suitable and at a high standard. Students and their parents have appreciated the certainty of being able to complete year 11 and 12 TCE studies, in a strong environment of pastoral care while getting a head start into a real apprenticeship.

While I was a member of the Howard Government, my colleague Mark Baker and I had to withstand constant negativity toward the model from state and federal Labor identities. This was a constant challenge for us in promoting something positive and they did all they could to undermine community confidence. This is because Labor opposes vocational education models which involve enterprising students, parents, industry and flexible employment arrangements! Fortunately, community support prevailed against Labor’s whining in opposition and the colleges flourished. Labor MPs for Bass and Braddon even had the gall to perform the official opening of the facilities – with many of the onlookers wondering what these pretenders might try to do in the future… Well they might ask!

What we now know is that on 21 August this year, Catholic Education signalled to the Federal Government that it would not be able to continue with the contract to manage the ATC beyond 2009. We also know that one of the original partners, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrote to the Federal Government on 24 September offering to take it on. Amazingly, there has been no written response but ATC staff tell us that the TCCI were verbally told they weren’t going to get the gig.

A deal was being negotiated to relieve the mutually-uncomfortable feelings that both governments were having to endure while ever the ATC succeeded. ‘Look at me’ David Bartlett was experiencing symptoms of a pain in the neck while ‘me-too’ PM Kevin Rudd needed help with a seedy hangover following his rash promise to maintain the colleges.

In Rudd and Bartlett’s new era of ‘ending the blame game’ this decision represents the victory of naked mediocrity over what’s good for our young people.

So what now?

The efforts of the Liberals are being combined with those of ATC staff, parents and an army of ATC students to Save Our ATC!  Meetings have been held to demand positive action from our elected governments to reverse their wrong decision and let our Australian Technical Colleges flourish. Petitions are being circulated by students, a Facebook page has been established along with a dedicated website www.saveouratc.com

I call on Tasmanians everywhere to actively join this campaign in support of better education options for our young people and our economy.  It’s not too late.

I am terribly disappointed to learn that the massive efforts of so many people of genuine goodwill in our community have been dashed as a result of pure government bloody-mindedness.

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett and Deputy Prime Minister Julie Gillard should hang their heads in shame at their disgraceful abandonment of one of the best-performing technical education institutions in the state.

The wisdom of the ATC vision and the local implementation are proven – and will always deserve recognition as a great success even in the face of constant opposition. The negativity toward the model from state and federal Labor has always been the biggest challenge because Labor opposes vocational education models which involve parents, industry and flexible employment arrangements.

In particular I express my deep dismay that the Rudd Labor Government has broken its election promise to continue to support the ATCs in some form and have instead handed it over to be executed by David Bartlett’s already discredited Tasmania Tomorrow model of Polytechnic, Skills Institute and Tasmanian Academy. Bartlett Labor have seen the transaction as being an asset grab for buildings which were purpose built for the ATC model of flexible learning together with year 11 and 12 TCE studies.

In Rudd and Bartlett’s new era of ‘cooperation’ this decision represents the victory of mediocrity over what’s good for our young people.

I worked tirelessly to achieve an ATC campus in Launceston because of my belief in raising educational quality and choice. It was a huge effort and worth it.

I have also been working behind the scenes with the University of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a number of local independent schools to try to save our ATC. However that all appears to have been in vain.

On news of the impending closure of the ATC earlier this week, I called for genuine and vocal support from all our elected members. Now we understand why they have been so silent.

My thoughts are mostly with the staff and students who, despite hollow assurances, face a most uncertain and disrupted future.

• Read The Advocate’s coverage here

I worked tirelessly to achieve an ATC campus in Launceston because of my belief in raising educational quality and choice.  It was an effort to bring together all the interested parties and to lead a process of genuine collaboration.  It was as much a fight against negativity and disgraceful undermining….

Today, the ATC is a great success with 280 students – having overcome constant criticism from state and federal Labor identities and even Jodie Campbell who had the gall to officially open the Inveresk campus. The ATCNT has proven its tremendous value by meeting the needs of local industry and giving new opportunity for our young people.

Our community should demand a strong future for the Australian Technical Colleges out of concern for our young people, industry and maintaining our reputation as a centre of educational excellence.

The lack of support for our ATC’s from state and federal Labor is a terrible indictment on the representation we are getting here in Northern Tasmania.

While David Bartlett is preoccupied with the disastrous Tasmania Tomorrow reforms, opportunities for young people have taken a big hit. With the reforms in disarray, the case for choice and opportunity in vocational education is clearer than ever.

And it’s not as of this scenario has come as any shock – both governments were warned long ago. The Federal Members for Bass and Braddon have both received requests for assistance from the ATC and it is my understanding that Mr Sidebottom has given a one line reply while Ms Campbell has offered no response whatsoever.

What’s needed now is genuine and vocal support from all our elected members.  Who will stand up for choice, opportunity, competition and our young people? 

Count me in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

However, one day after my blog entry has been going, it will have changed, so you can still find out more here.

Wikipedia is accessed 150 million times a day so this represents great exposure of one of Northern Tasmania’s more prominent war heroes. I don’t know on what basis Wikipedia select their feature articles – the good thing is that the benefits are real although incalculable: Tasmania is being brought up in the mind of many internet users worldwide and many will click through to find out more about our state.
It’s exactly these sort of organic connections between Tasmania and the rest of the world that we need to foster and develop. For example, Lonely Planet’s decision to name the Bay of Fires as the top travel destination for 2009 is advertising that money can’t buy. As Tasmania’s reputation for being clean, green, safe and beautiful grows, more and more people will want to visit here, perhaps stay, and share their experiences with their networks.

I am mindful that there is a section of the Tasmanian community made up of individuals who, while having concerns that they legitimately want considered, miss no opportunity to spoil our reputation and economic prospects whenever they can – and in the end, end up dividing our community. I am referring of course to the Greens Party.

It’s a shame that our arguments aren’t kept within our state in a mature and robust way. But at the end of the day (as they say) no one is going to come away from a debate with everything they want. We all know that the Greens support the environment but there is much more that we need to consider when we look to improving the long term fortunes of Tasmania.

So let’s face it, there is no room for Greens Party members to broadcast their campaigns, run their full page newspaper ads and sabotage export deals in other states and nations. These actions only hurt Tasmanian families and hand over market and job opportunities to other countries (often with much lower environmental credentials).

What’s important is that on issues to do with our environment and job-rich industries, we don’t tolerate the behaviour of those who want to sabotage our reputation and our economy.  We need to work together to re-unite our community, focus on preparing our state now for the long term challenges and forget the old-school, divisive politics of Labor and the Greens.

We are a community – not a bunch of individuals who have to take a corner on every issue. So let’s agree to strive for a state whose people respect each other enough to sometimes argue, sometimes agree and, if necessary, agree to disagree. That way, we protect what we have while protecting our future direction – whatever that may be.

Vision and leadership

Tasmania’s economic circumstances do not just demand a response.

They demand change.
They demand a brand new direction.
They demand leadership and vision for the future.
The last thing the State needs right now is more of the same from a tired, stale Labor government that puts its political survival and self-interest ahead of the long term interests of our state, and is letting Tasmania down.
We are seeing some of the consequences of that now.
Tasmania is heading into recession.
More and more Tasmanians have joined the dole queues and thousands more are set to follow. Households are struggling to make ends meet. Talk to any small business and they will tell you things are grim. And the State Budget has also been significantly affected by the global financial crisis.
We cannot blame this all on external events.
A decade of strong economic growth and record GST receipts has been frittered away.
The tough decisions, the long-term planning and the structural reforms – were never made.
This Budget demands strong fiscal discipline and a plan for the future.
But Labor has no plan for the future beyond the next election.
And after a decade of waste, excess and inefficiency, a complete change of culture is required to deliver the fiscal discipline Tasmania needs, not just now, but in the years ahead.
Tasmania needs leadership to make the tough decisions that are in our long-term interests.
To level with Tasmanians, and call it as it is, not shy away from the truth and sugar coat everything with spin.
But also to inspire hope and show Tasmanians that the situation we are in presents opportunities too; if we’re courageous enough to seize them we can emerge from this downturn stronger than ever before.
So we must start looking to the future and planning for prosperity now.
My vision is for a Tasmania where the government is trusted to make the right decisions; for the right reasons.
A place where local business is backed to create local jobs
A place renowned for its strength and unity – envied by the rest of the nation
But we won’t get there without leadership and vision, or without change.

Budget framework
We have framed our budget response so that it fits broadly within the same parameters as the Government.
Taking this approach also puts the Liberals and the ALP on the same fiscal footing in the lead up to the election.
It also means that we accept the Government forecasts on growth and employment and other measures as set out in Budget Paper 1.
We have done this because, at the time of the next election, the financial year will have only three months to run. It would not be possible to alter this year’s Budget.
This also puts an end to all Labor’s dishonest scare campaigns.
We both start from this Budget.
If either side wants to spend more it must say where the money is coming from – either how it will raise it or what spending it will cut to pay for it.
All the measures I outline today are paid for by identified cuts in Government spending, new revenues or unallocated funds.
The bottom line is that the operating result is improved under the Liberal plan compared to Labor.

Budget responsibility
There are some tough decisions that have to be made now.
And we must get our priorities right, now.
Tasmania’s finances have changed drastically since I addressed this House in response to the Budget last year, so we must adapt.
That’s why today, I announce that the policies the Liberals will take to the next election will be those that we announce between today and polling day.
The policy platform that we took to the 2006 election was framed in a different economic time.
We are a responsible Opposition and we cannot ignore the fiscal situation the State is now in.
I commit that Liberal policies will be affordable.
Today I will also outline additional savings and how these savings will fully-fund new policies, and those that I recommit us to today.
I am not interested in outspending the Labor party or throwing taxpayers’ money around to try to buy votes. That is not leadership.
And before I announce these I want to explain the fiscal strategy that will guide the shaping of our policy framework.
Under a Hodgman Liberal Government, the budget will return to the black by 2012-13 with both the net operating balance and the fiscal balance in surplus.

Under a Hodgman Liberal Government, Tasmania will remain net debt free.

Under a Hodgman Liberal Government we will do more for business by reducing the tax burden and making Tasmania a much more competitive place to do business.

Under a Hodgman Liberal Government capital expenditure will, at minimum, equal depreciation on a rolling four year basis.

And I will ensure that risks to the Tasmanian economy are managed to ensure that, even in these difficult times, Tasmania’s credit rating can be maintained.

Quarterly Financial Reports

A sound fiscal strategy requires clear parameters under which policies are developed. And importantly, I believe it also needs a commitment to honesty, transparency and accountability.

To provide for greater budget honesty, a Hodgman Liberal Government will legislate for quarterly transparent Financial Reports to be tabled in the Parliament.

These will report on revenue and expenses for government agencies, the number of Full Time Equivalent employees in government agencies, the number of new positions created in agencies and progress on budgeted infrastructure expenditure.

The last eight months have shown how quickly economic circumstances can change, and revenues plummet. Governments must not be able to pull the wool over taxpayers’ eyes and spend up big at the same time revenues are bleeding.
Other States and Territories provide quarterly financial reports to their taxpayers – one even issues monthly reports. But Labor abolished quarterly reports in 2003 in a bid to evade scrutiny, and that was in the good times.
We will be a government that really values honesty and transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability.
And a Hodgman Liberal Government will produce quarterly budget reports for greater fiscal accountability.

Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority
Mr Speaker,
A government I lead will be one that offers vision and leadership, and one that delivers results.
The Lennon-Bartlett Government has amassed an extensive resume of unfulfilled promises, failed projects and wasted opportunities.
This government struggles to deliver results.
A prime example is the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority.
It has lasted longer than the First World War but hasn’t delivered on the important task of progressing appropriate development in this exceptional part of Tasmania.
Over seven and a half million dollars spent, and there still isn’t a Master Plan for the precinct.
It would be laughable if it weren’t so serious.
A government I lead will immediately axe this extravagance.
It should be abolished immediately.
Its planning functions should be returned to the Hobart City Council. The Master Plan should be developed in the Office of the State Architect, with appropriate input from the Council and other interested stakeholders.
Waterfront development can be overseen by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in collaboration with the Hobart City Council.
This will save the state over $7 million over four years.
A Hodgman Liberal Government will immediately abolish the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority.

Anti-corruption and ethics commission
Mr Speaker,
David Bartlett admitted when he became Premier that his government was a mess. Since then, things have only got worse. Abuse of process, shonky decision making, cronyism, secrecy and evasion are hallmarks of this tired, 11 year old government.
The Premier promised to fix the mess, yet Labor’s budget provides not a single dollar for the establishment of an independent anti-corruption and ethics authority our state needs.
Once again, hollow words from this Premier.
Mr Speaker,
We will use the money saved from abolishing the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority to set up and fund an independent anti-corruption and ethics commission.
I also reaffirm today my commitment in government to apply a strict new code of conduct for Ministers, advisers and public servants, and implement a radical reform agenda to change the culture of government and make open government the law.
It’s a question of having the right priorities.
And my vision is of a Tasmania where the government is trusted to make the right decisions.
So it is a priority for the Party I lead to implement these policies without delay.
A Hodgman Liberal Government will establish an independent anti-corruption and ethics authority
Budget restraint
Mr Speaker,
For months now the government has been warning of the massive belt-tightening that is required, threatening public servants with pay freezes, even their jobs.
Yet this budget shows that elected Ministers have ducked the tough decisions and hand-balled them to agency heads.
Much of the budget pain has of course also been shamelessly deferred so that it doesn’t hit until after the next election.
This year’s Budget is one designed to get Labor through to the next election, not Tasmania through the economic challenges.
But now, more so than ever before, waste and inefficiency is not acceptable, and tough decisions must be made.
Mr Speaker, I announce today that we would:
• cut support for Ministers to save $4 million over four years;
• cut the government car fleet to save $6 million over four years;
• cut government advertising and promotion by $4 million.
• and cut fees payable for government boards and committees.
Tasmania has over 200 boards comprising some 1,500 members, and given that we all have to tighten our belts, we will be reducing payments to them by a further $1 million over four years.
We must make every dollar count in this economic climate if we are to look after Tasmania’s long term interests. Labor, however, would rather spend it on self-interest and self-promotion.

Mr Speaker,

Currently, the Tasmanian State Service has 285 Senior Executive Service officers. This number has grown by over 41 per cent since 2002, more than doubling the rate of growth across the broader public sector for the same period.

The Government has announced a reduction of 25 SES. We don’t believe that this goes far enough.

A Hodgman Liberal Government will reduce the number of SES by another 25 positions, saving $5 million per year for the next four years.
Mr Speaker,
As I have previously committed we will improve efficiency in government, and we will make the tough decisions necessary to do so.

Government businesses

In 2007 I said we need to investigate ways we can ensure government business enterprises have the best opportunity to prosper, and therefore enhance their returns to the state.

I can announce, Mr Speaker, that a Hodgman Liberal Government would establish a taskforce to investigate how to get better returns from government businesses.

The taskforce will be comprised of representatives from government agencies – State Treasury and the Department of Economic Development – and it will also include eminent economic and management specialists from the private sector.

The taskforce will receive an allocation of $250,000 and administrative support from those departments to undertake this analysis and report within 6 months on ways to improve efficiency and returns from all Government businesses.

On behalf of the shareholders – the people of Tasmania – a Hodgman Liberal Government will act to improve the returns we receive from government businesses.
Mr Speaker,
I don’t expect these decisions to be popular. But real leadership is not a popularity contest. It’s not about endless photo opportunities and ribbon cutting.
These savings are required to put our economy in the best possible position to emerge from this downturn stronger than ever before.
They will also promote a practice of restraint in government that is clearly beyond the current Labor government.
But today, also, I want to emphasise key elements of our policy agenda.
Our agenda, which differs starkly from that of the tired Lennon-Bartlett Government, is one which will;
• drive our economy forward;
• deliver accountable government;
• achieve better health results;
• raise education standards;
• strengthen our community and protect our lifestyle.

Small business
Mr Speaker,
As I have said previously, I fundamentally believe that a strong economy where business and enterprise can prosper is the best way to achieve that policy agenda.
I have repeatedly said that my vision is for Tasmania to be the most competitive and most attractive place in the country to run a business.
And I will back Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses to get us through these challenging economic times.
In Tasmania, so much of our economic engine room is the small business.
And I believe that if we have the courage to put in place reform now, we can emerge out the other side of these economic challenges more resilient and better placed to realize our potential.
So today I announce key policy reforms that back business, and provide it with a better environment to prosper and to create more local jobs.
Our fully-funded business and jobs package will:
• cut land tax
• streamline planning approvals
• match payroll tax rebates
• protect and generate jobs in tourism
• and boost exports
And as economic times improve, so too will the capacity for greater reform and change. Our commitment and our policy agenda to back business will remain.

Land tax
Tasmania has the second highest Land Tax burden of all Australian states.
A recent Institute of Public Affairs Report concluded that “measures to reduce Land Tax liabilities are necessary if Tasmania is to promote a more business-friendly environment.”
Part of my vision is for Tasmania to be the most competitive place to do business, and today I reaffirm the Liberal Party’s aspiration to ultimately abolish land tax in this State.
I accept it would not be responsible to abolish Land Tax immediately, given the current financial climate, but nor can we afford to unduly burden Tasmanians and Tasmanian businesses.
As a sign of my commitment to making Tasmania the most competitive place to do business, today I announce that a Hodgman Liberal Government will make land tax cuts in its first term of office.
We will raise the threshold to $65,000, which means that almost 19,000 properties in Tasmania would not have to pay Land Tax, an increase of over 14,000 on the Government’s policy.

Planning
Mr Speaker,
Tasmania’s twenty nine local councils administer thirty eight planning schemes.
This is just ridiculous.
We cannot make our state attractive to business investment with a cumbersome planning system.
We need to seriously streamline our planning system, with an independent planning commission.
We need to remove inconsistency between different schemes, duplication, delays in approvals, and the miles of red tape.
It is holding up investment, and stifling new jobs.
Labor’s been talking about fixing it for 11 years, but despite one expensive review after another, little has changed.
At no additional cost to the Budget, my government will establish a single statewide, residential planning code.
We will use the successful regional template adopted by North West councils.
The consolidation of the thirty eight planning schemes to a statewide approach would significantly reduce the planning bureaucracy and deliver more consistency in the format, provision and application of planning schemes.
And in line with the intentions of the North-West Coast Regional Planning initiative, a statewide residential code would improve the operation of local planning schemes and planning outcomes whilst ensuring that regional planning considerations are preserved.
And we will work closely with local government and other stakeholders to develop such a code, and I will deliver it within my first year of government.

Protect and generate jobs in tourism
Mr Speaker,
We recognise that the tourism industry is a vital asset to our State, creating thousands of jobs and generating great economic and social activity.
But it also represents a glaring example of where the Lennon-Bartlett government has headed in the wrong direction.
Whilst other states are marketing themselves to the domestic market, aggressively chasing more tourist dollars for their State, in Tasmania the Labor government cuts the tourism budget; dismisses repeated calls for destinational marketing; cuts funding to our parks, and dismantles the Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts.
Labor is not only missing an opportunity, but also damaging the brand we have worked so hard to build.
And Labor persists with spending $23 million on its flawed Tarkine plan it knows may actually damage tourism and the Tasmanian wilderness brand.
Because I back small business in this State, I back tourism to the hilt.
My government will invest an additional $5.5 million over three years in tourism promotion, to bring more tourists, and tourist dollars to our state.
And I’ll fund that by cutting waste from the government’s budget.
This is a higher priority than the absurd number of cars in the government fleet, or glossy government advertising, or spin doctors for useless ministers.
And our visionary Tarkine Plan will also provide a much needed boost to the industry, especially in the North West.
Our plan will directly boost jobs and tourism businesses in the North West region through
• $18 million for capital works on the South Arthur Forest Drive Loop, including the establishment of a visitor centre and upgrade of the western explorer road
• $500,000 for Tarkine eco-tourism capital infrastructure grants for environmental innovation
• $2.5 million for marketing of the region and the provision of tourism information services and upgrades and
• $1.5 million to the parks and Wildlife Service to ensure a high quality visitor experience within the Tarkine.
And, Mr Speaker, I can announce that under a Hodgman Liberal Government, there will be a Department of Environment and Parks.

Exports
Mr Speaker,
Nearly one in four jobs in Tasmania is in the export sector.
As an island state we have to export to survive and prosper. And we need to support those businesses in export markets.
Exporters are doing it tough, but there is still potential to tap into new markets, grow the level and value of exports in existing ones and help the Tasmanian economy emerge stronger once the economic storm clouds pass.
Labor, in a typically short-sighted way, cut export facilitation funding in the Budget.
My government will reverse that, providing $2 million over four years, because my government will be all about backing business to create jobs.
Mr Speaker,
A central policy commitment of a Hodgman Liberal Government is to back local business, and provide it with a better environment to prosper and to create more local jobs.

Infrastructure
Mr Speaker
We must invest in infrastructure that will generate wealth and productivity into the future.
It is an absolute disgrace that this government is still just talking about producing a State Infrastructure Plan – after 11 years in government.
Is it any wonder our roads are substandard.
Is it any wonder rail is at its knees?
We are committed a long-term State Infrastructure Plan, and a central element of it is to build a four-lane Midland Highway.
This is a National Highway, our main arterial highway, and even the Infrastructure Minister concedes it is a ‘goat track’.
And yet Labor does not believe that Tasmanians deserve better – now or in the long term.
Labor has not secured a better deal from the Federal Government for Tasmania.
A four lane Midland Highway is a major, long term project.
This is a 20-year plan.
But it’s Labor that thinks that the current state of the Midland Highway adequate.
The Tasmanian Liberals do not.
We will not accept second best for Tasmania.
Our plan allows for the high speed sections of the highway to be upgraded progressively.
The initial estimates of the costs associated with the works on the high speed sections of the highway, which together amount to about 120 kilometres of road, is expected to be approximately $400M.
Consistent with AusLink funding arrangements, we will seek federal funding at 80% of the cost as this is a National Highway project.
Planning will commence in 2011/12 and we will allocate funding to begin this work.
Mr Speaker,
A Hodgman Liberal Government will act on the vision to upgrade the Midland Highway to four lanes.
Mr Speaker,
Importantly, we will also continue to advance our vision to build a state water grid to usher in a new era for irrigated agriculture in Tasmania.
And of course, Tasmania needs an efficient, working rail system.
It is essential to our industry, to our transport and export links, and to minimise the amount of heavy freight on our roads.
This Labor Government has overseen our rail system grinding to a halt
And federal money allocated four years ago specifically for rail remains largely unspent.
The Tasmanian Government has the obligation to take charge and to find a solution urgently.
The Shadow Minister for Infrastructure will elaborate on these, and other important infrastructure challenges in his reply speech.

A smarter Tasmania

Mr Speaker,
We have a fundamental commitment to a creating a smarter Tasmania.
And given the government says it shares the community’s concerns about our low school retention rates, we simply cannot understand Labor’s decision to end Pathway Planning for Tasmanian high school students.
I announce today that a Hodgman Liberal Government would invest $2.5 million a year into Pathway Planning for Tasmanian high school students. The money will go directly into our high and district high schools, to ensure that up to 35.5 FTE Pathway Planning positions are available to work directly with students, schools, training providers, industry and the community.
Their role will be to help students understand, plan and develop potential pathways to engaged future learning, training and qualifications, and job futures.
This is a vital service to also help students that are disengaged, have special needs, contribute to absenteeism in high schools, and need to find a positive focus toward work, learning, and self worth.

A fairer Tasmania
Mr Speaker,
Just eight months ago the Joint Committee on Community Development tabled a substantial and yet damning report that highlighted the inadequate funding of the Community Equipment Scheme.
The report found that children needing wheelchairs had outgrown them by the time they arrived and people were bedridden for weeks while parts were sought for their wheelchairs.
This is certainly not a kind, clever and connected Tasmania.
A Liberal Government will inject an additional $1.5 million per year into the Community Equipment Scheme which provides equipment, aids and technology to Tasmanians with a disability. This amount will be indexed annually.
The timely provision of equipment and technologies to people with disabilities should be seen as a social investment as it helps to prevent the deterioration of conditions that would otherwise need more intensive and costly interventions.
More importantly, it helps to restore dignity to the individual.

Health infrastructure for the future
Mr Speaker
We have to fix our public hospitals and improve health services to Tasmanians.
Despite record amounts of spending, under Labor hospital waiting lists have increased dramatically.
And for 11 years, Labor has presided over the deterioration of Tasmania’s major public hospital.
For the last three years they have been obsessed with building a new hospital on the waterfront.
And now, after three years of mismanagement and millions of dollars wasted, they have abandoned their warped plan and promised a $2 billion hospital somewhere down the track that is not costed, or funded.
This is a Bartlett black-hole.
This appalling episode typifies a tired government that makes poor decisions and can’t deliver major projects.
What a waste of 11 years in government.
Tasmania needs a New Generation Royal Hobart Hospital and we will build one.
And our New Generation Royal Hobart Hospital will be built without taking Tasmania into debt.
TOTE Tasmania represents a truly Tasmanian asset. It is held in trust by the government on behalf of the people of Tasmania. Now it is up for sale, it is essential that all Tasmanians benefit from the proceeds.
We know, given that the Treasurer did not include a sale price in the budget papers, that this Labor government intends to squander the proceeds from the sale of TOTE on short-term vote-buying for its own political survival.
That is unconscionable.
Any money from the sale of TOTE must be used to benefit all Tasmanians.
I announce today that we will establish a New Generation Infrastructure Fund from the revenue of the sale of TOTE Tasmania.
Its prime purpose will be to fund a New Generation Hobart Hospital, and also to upgrade hospital and other capital infrastructure around Tasmania.
Mr Speaker,
A Hodgman Liberal Government will build a New Generation Hobart Hospital.

School bus fares

Mr Speaker,
A Hodgman Liberal Government will also make bus travel free for students travelling to and from school, using a funding model that will ensure there will be no change to the contractual arrangements currently in place for private school bus operators.
We believe in improving public transport options and making school more accessible and less expensive for all parents, whether they choose to send their children to a public school or a non-government one and regardless of where they live.
We estimate this commitment to Tasmanian parents and their school-age children will be an ongoing annual cost of up to $8 million, and we will fully fund that by cutting the government’s wasteful budget.
A Hodgman Liberal Government will make bus travel free for students travelling to and from school.

Conclusion
Tasmania is facing dark economic times but our potential remains immense and our future is bright – if we make the tough decisions that are needed now, and plan properly for our future.
I will lead a financially responsible and disciplined government.
I am not interested in outspending a Labor party more interested in its own short term interests, than the long term interests of our state.
These financial circumstances demand more than a survival plan for a Labor government.
They demand change.
A more disciplined and responsible approach to how we manage our finances.
And change in how we spend that money to deliver Tasmanians the services and the infrastructure the state needs and deserves.
Mr Speaker,
I remain committed to an action agenda that;
• gives business the best environment to prosper;
• builds infrastructure for our future;
• gives Tasmanians the quality health and education systems they deserve.
• And protects our lifestyle and strengthen our communities.
And despite the immense challenges of the day my vision for Tasmania remains.
Where the government is trusted to make the right decisions; where local business is backed to create local jobs; and where all Tasmanians have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

• Tasmania has been shafted by the Federal Government
• Kevin Rudd and David Bartlett have let Tasmania down
• The government cash splash stops at Bass Strait
• Tasmania’s GST black hole has blown out to $1 billion

As far as the country is concerned, things are starting to look very grim as a result of Rudd Labor’s untargetted spending spree:

• 1 million unemployed next year
• A record $58 billion deficit, and
• Record net debt of at least $188 billion by 2012-13 meaning every Australian woman, man and child now owes $9,300 which must be repaid in taxes in the future.

It’s beginning to look alot like Whitlam.

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Now that a full year of scary predictions has passed, many people who are 1) on welfare payments 2) employed by the public service or 3) wage-earners in relatively stable industries feel that their own quality of life is not in any real danger.  After all, nothing bad happened to them in that scary 2008.

But consider the headlines:

This small sample of doom-and-gloom stories were published on news websites all on one day alone!  (March 10, 2009).  The avalanche of bad news shows no sign of abating any time soon.

So if mainstream news outlets are so focussed (infatuated?) with this oppressive rolling disaster, why do many Tasmanians struggle to see that life is any different at all?  And what should be the Tasmanian response?

The first thing that has to be recognised is that the GFC is real.  It’s happening and it affects every citizen in our global village.  It’s true that Tasmania is less prone to the highs and lows than mining boom states like Queensland and Western Australia.  Nonetheless, there is declining economic activity in Australia generally – and that means less spending, less sales, less profits and higher unemployment.

That’s bad news wherever you live.

Needless to say, the consequence of this is less money collected by the Commonwealth in three key areas:
1. GST which based on sales of goods and services;
2. income tax which is based on the number of people earning a wage; and
3. company tax which is based on company profits.

Unfortunately for Tasmanians, we are more heavily dependent on Commonwealth funding as a proportion of our state budget than any other state.  Most of the Tasmanian Government’s annual budget comes from the Commonwealth.  So Tasmanian Government services such as schools, hospitals, police and infrastructure are very highly subsidised by the rest of the country.

It’s not bad that we get that level of support.  I’ve always advocated for us to get as much support as possible; and besides, there are stringent processes in place at the federal level to ensure that all states are given fair levels of support and disadvantage is a key factor.

But our dependence is unfortunate for two reasons. Firstly, because Tasmania continues to be seen as “disadvantaged” by our interstate cousins. More importantly though, during times when the national economy is shrinking – beyond our control or influence – we stand to lose out due to significant potential reductions in federal payments.

It seems clear that the Tasmanian Government will not be able to withstand these pressures without reducing its own spending.  Without proper and careful management which seeks to find real efficiencies in current government spending (and cutting wasteful spending), valuable government services such as schools, hospitals, police and infrastructure will certainly suffer when sudden cuts have to be found in a hurry.

This will hurt every Tasmanian, even those who previously thought they were immune from the great global stuff-up started by risk-taking Wall St cowboys 16,000 km away.

It’s coming very close to home, and we need to be ready.

We need to review government spending and cut waste.

In part this means we need to make the public service a more productive and accountable entity. The State of Tasmania is one of the most expensive governments in the county, with its public service one of the largest per capita in Australia. Yes, we need government departments to be effective units to allow government decisions to be carried out as a force for good in the community (particularly for the more vulnerable in our community who rely on government support services). But no, we should not accept that ‘big government’ is better government unless it delivers for the common good and gives good value to Tasmanians who are footing the bill. I’m not an advocate for cutting jobs. I’m an advocate for accountability and productivity, ensuring that our public servants are given their due respect and that ordinary Tasmanians are not bearing the burden of a union-controlled Labor government which doesn’t know how to manage itself.

Government spending in areas other than employment have been exposed as excessive. There is a constant stream of ministers, ministerial advisers, bureau chiefs and polytechnic bosses travelling the world at huge expense as well as the Labor Government’s addiction to its expensive dozen-strong “media unit”. But the most galling of all is this Labor government’s obsessive love affair with building a new Royal Hobart Hospital (uncosted, but estimated to come in at more than $1,000,000,000). This is even though the community doesn’t want it, it would destroy the Hobart CBD and we Tasmanians simply cannot afford it. This is just another example of a State Government that is heading in the wrong direction and does not know how to set the right priorities.

We need to encourage an enterprise culture and remove unreasonable roadblocks to sustainable new industries being established.

Over the last ten years, Tasmania’s slack government, its outdated planning system, regulation and red tape has done the opposite of attracting sensible, sustainable, job creating development in our state. In fact, the Labor Party has though lethargy and abuse of process created a group of entrepreneurial ambassadors against Tasmania.

For example, I am thinking of Dick Smith who, after many years of trying to build sustainable eco-tourism facilities on his own land, was prevented at the last minute by vague and misty features of current planning laws. Our current system only guarantees one thing for significant, job-creating development plans: complete uncertainty as to what is allowed and what is not. Sadly, Labor doesn’t seem to care. Worse, the Greens love it because it gives them a negative platform.

In the words of Tasmania’s next Premier, Will Hodman, in his headland Agenda 09 speech responding to the State of the State address:

Now is the time to open our door to business and unlock our potential… I want government to get out of the road of small business to let them break through the barriers that have been holding us back…. Business is being strangled by bureaucratic red tape.

Right on! There is no need to chuck out due process and community expectation. We need to re-establish a coherent set of guidelines for different land types, communicate these to all concerned and then enforce them without fear or favour.

We need to reduce state-based taxes in areas which make us less competitive compared to other states.

Well let’s name some: stamp duty, payroll tax and land tax. Sure, they may well warrant some place in the state taxation landscape, but certainly not in their current un-competitive forms.

The problem is that the Tasmanian Government has, over 11 years of neglect, allowed its budget to become so dependent on these state-based taxes that they are seemingly incapable of reviewing them within any genuine reform agenda. Union control of Labor MPs together with this government’s crisis-driven political priorities leave necessary pro-enterprise, pro-employment reforms like these in the shadows of a previous century when the taxes were created.

No one should be surprised if emerging and/or sensitive industries decide to set up business somewhere other than Tassie if other states provide a more competitive deal. The Howard Government gradually reduced the Australian company tax rate down to the best international standard of 30%. Why? Well in the short-term it certainly did cost some tax-take, putting pressure on the federal budget.

However ultimately this measure alone saved countless businesses and jobs from going offshore and helped to secure the Australian economy. We Tasmanians must do what’s necessary to clear our own business blockages and commit to holding on to our enterprise magnetism. It can be done.

And finally, we need to convince Tasmanian families to reduce over-reliance on debt to pay for our lifestyle.

We need to teach our young people when they are still in school about how to be more self-reliant, how to budget, how to plan for long term goals and achieve them.  We need to tell parents that they should not feel guilty that their children don’t have everything the neighbours have.

Let’s not forget that the Global Financial Crisis was founded on unsustainable debt; buying overvalued assets on unserviceable loans.  We need to recognise that buying a plasma TV will look great on the wall, but will do more for the Chinese economy than our own.

Sadly, Mr Rudd is encouraging Australians to make a big mistake. He is wrongly teaching them that spending more money on consumer items is the answer to our financial problems here in Australia.  My personal advice (and I warn you, I’m not a licensed financial planner!) to anyone receiving a $900 bonus this month:  it’s your money – use it how you should not just how Mr Rudd tells you to. If you are smart, you’ll reduce credit card debt or other bills which are due.  After all, if our households are sustainable, so is Tasmania.

If you haven’t got any such bills then please spend in a way that the money will stay here in our own community: then take yourself on a Tasmanian holiday, get some landscaping done, get your home repairs done, get your car serviced, buy some Tasmanian-made craft or furniture.

If we follow these positive steps, in years to come there will be more jobs and less unemployment; less debt and more savings; less hardship and more taxpayer-funded services in health, education and infrastructure to give us the quality of life every Tasmanian family deserves.

So, no one can afford to think there is no crisis. This affects all of us. But it’s how we deal with it that will determine how successfully we emerge.

The Liberal team, led by Will Hodgman, have new ideas about how to tackle the many issues facing us, including the GFC. It’s through leadership and vision instead of scandals, crisis-management and the politics of division.

I’m proud to be a part of that team and call on you to join us in our quest to unlock Tasmania’s potential and make it a better, happier place for every Tasmanian.

More at www.willhodgman.com.au