$900m health boost: Tas Budget

The Tasmanian budget will increase health spending by $900m to try to drive down waiting lists, boost mental health and increase the role played by community health organisations.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff to boost health funding by $900m in Thursday’s state budget. Picture: Rob Burnett

The Tasmanian budget will increase health spending by $900m to try to drive down waiting lists, boost mental health and increase the role played by community health organisations.

Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff will on Thursday use his second budget in the top job to address the community’s No. 1 concern – failing health ­services.

About $12bn will be allocated to health across the budget’s forward estimates – almost 35 per cent of the entire budget and $900m more than in last year’s budget.

“We are investing in inno­vative programs and initiatives that mean Tasmanians can access the healthcare they need in their communities, closer to where they live, as well as boosting resources in our hospitals for those needing acute care,” Mr Rockliff said. “Investments will focus on providing targeted support for innovative, community-based initiatives that are delivering positive results for Tasmanians.

“Tasmania has many grassroots health and wellbeing initiatives that are doing great work in our community and the government is going to back these organisations in.”

Examples of the frontline community health groups to receive funding include the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Salvation Army Street Teams, the Pathway Shed and Men’s Table.

State growth is set to plunge from 4.3 per cent in 2021-22 – the second strongest in the nation - to just 1.5pc in 22-23, before it is forecast to rise to 2.25pc by 2024-25.

A surplus, last year promised to be achieved in 2023-24, is expected to be pushed back but still achieved over the four-year budget forward estimates.