Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
We have here a leaked copy of respected economist Saul Eslake’s June 2024 analysis, The Tasmanian Economy and Tasmania’s Public Finances. It is utterly damning of the economic and social consequences of a decade of a Liberal government that has refused to make big corporations pay and fund the essential services we need.
The report confirms Tasmanians are the poorest they have been in three decades, and the yawning gap between the haves and have-nots. It shows the impacts of the housing crisis your government has created and public education outcomes bordering on catastrophic. The economy is lurching backwards fast. Net debt is projected to reach more than $6.5 billion, with almost $15 billion in net financial liabilities by 2027.
The SPEAKER – I will bring you to the question.
Dr WOODRUFF – In light of these damning numbers, doesn’t your billion-dollar stadium on Macquarie Point show how warped your priorities are?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I look forward to reading the paper the member has there. My understanding is also that –
Dr Woodruff – Shocking information from a respected economist.
The SPEAKER – You are very quick to say when people are interjecting on you. I ask you not to interject on the Premier and also –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Thank you, I can deal with this without, ‘Oh, no’. ‘Hear, hear’ is okay. Do not wave the document around either, please. It is not a prop.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you. A respected economist who, I understand – and I stand to be corrected – has also made supportive comments of the stadia infrastructure. I stand to be corrected on that, so I would have probably checked your question.
Nonetheless, you have linked all that to the stadium. I will argue that vigorously: It presents 4000 jobs in construction and the economic opportunities. We know full well where the Greens stand on anything around economic opportunity: you do not stand for it at all.
Dr Woodruff – Houses.
Mr ROCKLIFF – You much prefer Tasmanians to all be on welfare and go back to the caves and have no economic opportunity at all. However, you also want to ensure that we invest in essential services. I commend you for standing up for essential services, but as I said the other day money does not grow on trees. You have to get it from somewhere.
The SPEAKER – Premier, if you direct your answer through the Chair, we will have fewer interjections.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Honourable Speaker –
Dr Woodruff – Well done, Premier.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Honourable Speaker, I should say –
The SPEAKER – It lasted all of three seconds.
Dr Woodruff – Our children’s future.
Mr ROCKLIFF – It is. I recognise that.
The SPEAKER – It is a serious question. If the House could come to order so the Premier can answer.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I recognise that, but I also recognise that we have created 46,000 jobs over the last 10 years. No-one can deny the investment that we have made in education, health infrastructure, health jobs, paramedics, the nursing workforce, schools, the teaching workforce and public housing. It leaves you for dead when you were last in government, can I say.
I point you to the recent survey of the National Australia Bank. The NAB survey pointed very positively towards confidence. Business confidence in Tasmania is leading the nation.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Members on my left. The Premier’s time has expired.
