Tasmania's Business Group Supports Labor's Budget Plan Ahead of State Election

Tasmania's peak business body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), has endorsed Labor's budget repair plan ahead of the state election. TCCI CEO Michael Bailey praised the plan as 'courageous' and emphasized the need for the Liberal Party to present their own strategy for budget repair. Labor's fiscal strategy aims to save $1 billion over four years, with measures such as selling the state's share in the Marinus Link undersea power cable and redirecting revenue from the Motor Accidents Insurance Board. The plan also includes establishing a budget repair round table if Labor wins the election.

On the other hand, Treasurer Guy Barnett criticized Labor's plan as misleading and focused on selling government assets. The TCCI's endorsement of Labor's plan coincided with the official launch of the Liberal Party's election campaign. Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff highlighted the state's strong economy and promised 250 new beds at the Launceston General Hospital as part of the party's health announcement.

The project, a seven-storey tower, aims to 'future-proof' hospital services in Tasmania's north. However, Labor's Health spokesperson Ella Haddad pointed out that the Liberals had previously promised this project without delivering. The tower is part of the Liberals' broader redevelopment plan for the LGH, with healthcare professionals emphasizing the need for immediate solutions to address current hospital challenges.

Tasmanians will cast their votes on Saturday, July 19.