Premier says he looks forward to working with new PM

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says his focus has always been on getting the best deal for Tasmania, regardless of who is in power in Canberra. LATEST >>

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff says he believe he’ll have a good working relationship with new Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Mr Rockliff said he had already spoken to Mr Albanese on Sunday and passed on his congratulations.

The Tasmanian government and the federal Coalition government have been at odds over GST distributions which are set to disadvantage the state Treasury over coming years.

“I spoke to the Prime Minister elect yesterday, we had a very great conversation,” Mr Rockliff said.

“To be frank, I believe that we’ll have a very good working relationship. Anthony wants the best for Australia, I want the best for Tasmania, and in many respects we hold similar aspirations for Australia and Tasmania.

“And I believe we’ll get on. I believe we’ll work very constructively together.”

Premier

“Previously, I was never backward in `coming forward and advocating for a better deal for Tasmania and fairness across the country in terms of Tasmania getting their fair share. I’ve done that before and I’ll continue to do that. Even with a change of government

Mr Rockliff welcomed the re-election of Gavin Pearce in Braddon and Bridget Archer in Bass.

He said he did not agree with some commentators who said the Liberal Party should move further to the right in response to the weekend’s federal election loss.

“I just think what people expect from their members of parliament and their governments is to be fair, reasonable — make really strong decisions were necessary — but ultimately care for their constituency and reflect their constituencies aspirations as well.

“And of course, my vision for Tasmania is to ensure that everyone is included, valued, supported, encouraged to be the best they can be.

‘And I also see that in Gavin and Bridget, and what they stand for as well.’

‘Budget with heart’: What to expect this Thursday

New treasurer Michael Ferguson is promising a budget with heart, foreshadowing strong support for health, education and cost of living pressures, when Tasmania’s costings are outlined on Thursday.

Mr Ferguson has only been in the job for six weeks but was confident the budget addressed the issues which matter most to Tasmanians.

“Health and education are strongly supported and public safety and our housing aspirations over the next ten years,” Mr Ferguson said.

As many Tasmanians struggle with the cost of living, Mr Ferguson has promised there will be measures to address pressures.

“I will be having things to say about cost of living and to ensure that the concessions the government needs to provide to people on lower incomes will be maintained,” he said.

BUDGET TREASURER

The treasurer said the government would continue to spend big on infrastructure which has been the crown jewel of previous budgets.

Announced last week was increased funds for roads and bridges, with $2.7bn budgeted over four years.

It’s been revealed Tourism Tasmania will cash in, with an extra $10m over four years to speed up Covid recovery.

“Growing the industry further will harness our competitive advantages and create more opportunities for Tasmanians,” Mr Ferguson said.

BUDGET TREASURER

Mr Ferguson indicated the budget would be one short of surprises.

“There’ll be no sudden moves in this budget because we have a well-established plan and we only took it to the election last year and it was endorsed,” Mr Ferguson said.

“It’s a budget with heart, I will emphasises that.”

After Saturdays election result, Mr Ferguson said there could be additions to the budget in the coming months, depending on what the Federal government does and doesn’t commit to.

“We’ll be watching that like a hawk,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I was very careful in preparation of this budget not to assume one government party over another federally so the budget doesn’t assume any of the election commitments are included.

“However the budget does lock in things that were secured prior to the Liberal government going into caretaker mode and we will expect those to be honoured by the Albanese government.”

Former Premier and Treasurer Peter Gutwein delivered the last eight budgets, with Mr Ferguson by his side as finance minister for two years.

“That two years of intensive support for him in my role as finance minister has turned out to be very good preparation, so I’m very grateful for that,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I think there’s always pressure a treasurer should feel in the preparation of a budget, it’s the signature economic piece for the government.”

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Originally published as Premier says he looks forward to working with new PM