Tasmania’s financial plan’s been laid out in parliament, with that net debt figure of $8.5 billion dollars in four years time looming large over the document.
Treasurer and member for Bass Michael Ferguson insisting borrowings are modest compared to much of Australia.
As for spending, he’s singled out an additional $291 million for health related projects.
“Including stage two of the Launceston General Hospital redevelopment and the St Johns Park Health and Wellbeing precinct, four million dollars is being invested to provide additional beds at mother and baby unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital.”
Confirmation of a previously flagged $300 million of savings in the public service is proving a red rag to a bull for unions.
The government maintains it won’t entail cuts to frontline services such as health.
Unions Tasmania’s Jessica Munday’s highly critical of the so called efficiency dividend policy, forecasting real wage cuts and workers leaving the state for greener pastures elsewhere.
“This budget is about them meeting election promises, not meeting the needs of the Tasmanian community, Michael Ferguson could possibly be the worst Treasurer we’ve ever had.”
