Committee appointed to restart state economy

Premier Peter Gutwein has announced the makeup of a ‘high-powered’ committee to restart the state’s economy as the coronavirus crisis eases. READ ABOUT THE PLAN HERE.

A HIGH-POWERED recovery committee of business and community leaders will devise a plan to restart the Tasmanian economy as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council in parliament today.

READ THE PREMIER’S RESTRICTION ROLL BACK PLAN

It will be headed by former Treasury chief Don Challen and will provide its first advice to the government by July.

Also on the committee are business leaders Dale Elphinstone, Tim Gardner, Samantha Hogg and Paul Ranson; community advocate Kym Goodes, UTas vice chancellor Rufus Black, tourism operator Brett Torossi and Childrens’ Commissioner Leanne McLean.

MORE NEWS:

Ruby Princess ground zero for North-West outbreak

Tasmania’s hospital system was ‘underprepared’ for COVID-19 pandemic, says Labor leader

Analysis: How do you ask intelligent questions about a report you haven’t seen?

Mr Gutwein said the committee would build on the government’s $1 billion Social and Economic Support Package.

“The Recovery Council will provide advice and recommendations on how to best mitigate the economic and social impacts of the pandemic,” Mr Gutwein said.

“It will also identify opportunities for economic and social renewal.

“It will focus on immediate practical initiatives in the short term, whilst considering big picture opportunities for future.

“This is a health crisis firstly but it is also an economic crisis. Many Tasmanians are facing hardships they’ve never faced.

“As a Government we have put in place unprecedented levels of support for our community and our businesses, until our state can gradually come to life once more.”

Mr Gutwein also announced another $10 million in Small Business Emergency Support Grants and another $10 million in severe hardship grants.