State Budget to reveal new record debt for Tasmania
A series of deficit budgets will more than double Tasmania’s government debt to a record $8.5bn by 2027-28, Treasurer Michael Ferguson has revealed.
Politics
Tasmania’s child safety workers missing in action, say Greens
Up to 85 per cent of child safety workers supposed to be employed in the state’s North and North West have either not yet been recruited or are absent from work on any given day, the Greens say.
New law which brings Tasmania into line with other states
New laws creating an offence of industrial manslaughter have passed parliament – it means employers could now face big penalties if someone dies in the workplace.
‘Selfish’: Labor condemns state’s net debt blowout
Labor has accused the Liberals of putting Tasmania’s future “on the credit card” after revelations government net debt will more than double in Thursday’s state budget.
Communication delays to Hillcrest families after Netflix series
A Mexican Netflix show depicting a jumping castle disaster blindsided the government, Rockliff says. His department has since apologised.
Another TT-Line board member sets sail as Ferguson rejects Labor Spirit claims
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson has vehemently rejected claims that he misled parliament over the botched delivery of the replacement Spirit of Tasmania ferries. Also, another resignation.
New Mac Point stadium images reveal Cenotaph impact
New architectural renderings of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium further show its impact on the Hobart Cenotaph.
Racing inquiry result ‘soon’: minister
A stewards inquiry into a trainer accused of animal cruelty and race fixing will deliver its findings “soon”, Racing Minister Jane Howlett said.
‘Bitter taste’: Qld mum calls for change after son’s suicide
A Queensland mother is demanding urgent reforms after her 21-year-old son took his life following bullying by officers, as a damning report is released on the Australian Army.
‘Very important budget’: Premier defends spend
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has backed the handing down of record infrastructure budgets after criticism that the spend was “staggering”.
‘He ought not be here for his own wellbeing’: TT-Line boss resigns
Under fire TT-Line fronted a public committee the same day as the resignation of CEO and managing director Bernard Dwyer was announced. Here’s the latest.
Peak medical body’s state budget wishlist revealed
With the state budget looming, one of Tasmania’s peak medical bodies has outlined its priorities to the government as it aims to ‘redress rural and remote health inequities’.
When nation-leading pokies reforms will be introduced in Tas
The state’s gaming regulator has revealed when a nation-leading new harm minimisation scheme will be rolled out across Tasmanian clubs and hotels.
Waste levy help for flood clean-up
The Tasmanian government has announced further relief for those affected by last week’s flooding.
Libs’ big spend on infrastructure to continue despite warnings
After an independent economist raised concerns about the sustainability of Tasmania’s infrastructure program, the state government is pushing ahead regardless. Here’s the latest.
Replicating ‘90s ‘heydays’ key to reaching housing target
The experts say a replicating construction in the early 90s could be key for Tasmania to reverse a recent slowdown in new builds to hit key national targets. Here’s how.
Home funds ‘raided’ to put up health workers
The state government has come under fire over its purchase of the Fountainside Hotel from the University of Tasmania. Here’s why.
Cash injection for historic tourism spot
The iconic Port Arthur Historic Site is set to benefit from a funding boost when this week’s state budget is revealed. Here’s what it’ll go towards.
Scientists to review population projections for Maugean skate
A team of scientists will review population projections for the endangered Maugean skate after questions were raised over key data. Latest.
Budget to target jobs, cost of living, says Treasurer Ferguson
Next week’s state budget will focus on jobs, easing cost of living pressures and delivering the government’s election promises, Treasurer Michael Ferguson says.
Help available for those affected by flooding
The state government has announced further assistance for people affected by wild weather and flooding around the state over the last week. Here’s what help is available.
Religious freedom under threat, says ACL
The Christian lobby says attempts to reduce discrimination in Tasmanian schools run the risk of reducing religious freedom in the fashion of dictators and totalitarian regimes.
Who is eligible to access interest-free $2000 loans
Tasmanians wanting to avoid predatory payday loans and emergency credit cards might be eligible to tap into $2000 micro loans with no interest. Here’s how.
‘Dangerous’ salary shock for Tasmania’s public servants
The state’s public servants are earning thousands of dollars less than their mainland counterparts, with the wage gap being described as “dangerous”.
‘Safe hospitals, save lives’: Nurses walk off the job
Several hundred nurses walked off the job and alongside fellow unionists and their supporters flooded a Hobart street with placards. Here’s why.
One in 10 public sector workers plan to quit – here’s why
Ten per cent of the Tasmanian state service is thinking of leaving in the next three years, an annual survey of employees has found.
Brown plans sentence appeal for swift parrot protest
Veteran environmentalist Bob Brown will appeal a sentence handed down on Wednesday. Watch what he had to say after court.
Big guns appointed to sort out ‘unacceptable’ Spirit berth delays
The Premier has appointed two infrastructure experts to help speed up delivery of berth 3 at Devonport as TT-Line says it will dispute evidence given about the project.
Stadium doesn’t need Taylor Swift, says entertainment boss
Forget Taylor Swift – the future success of Hobart’s new roofed stadium does not hinge on megastar assistance, thanks to its desirable CBD location, and ability to host all-weather events.
Greens unveil plan to protect cenotaph, even from the stadium
The Greens have unveiled a push to ban any development which adversely impacts on the Hobart Cenotaph, including the Macquarie Point stadium. Here’s how it would work.
Baby Maugean skate raises hopes for endangered species
A baby Maugean skate has been hatched for the first time in captivity, raising hopes for the critically endangered species. Here’s what it means for the plight of the species.
Three rare plants, an iconic whale species back from brink
Three plants and a popular whale species are officially on their way back from extinction, Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said on Monday.
‘Unsavoury episode’: Mayor Blomeley’s latest peace plan fails
Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley has been a member of the Liberal Party for 33 years and he’s not given up on having his expulsion overturned. Find out the latest in the ongoing debate.
United in grief, families lobby for stronger knife search powers
Laraine Ludwig says she wakes every morning to a nightmare that never ends, after her 41-year-old son Reid was fatally stabbed in a random knife attack at a Blackmans Bay service station in 2019.
Macquarie Point stadium concert image released
New images showing the entertainment versatility of a Macquarie Point stadium have been released.
Infrastructure Minister says he was ‘kept in the dark’ over ferries
The state government says it was kept in the dark by ferry operator TT-Line about delays to Devonport berth upgrades needed to accommodate the new Bass Strait ferries.
Why it will soon be lawful for Tas farm workers to be sacked and evicted on same day
Under changes to residential tenancy regulations set to come into effect in September, farm owners will be allowed to sack and evict workers from their accommodation on the same day.
Wooley: Joyful warriors’ campaign a welcome change from Trump chaos and carnage
Harris and new running mate Walz’s sunnier campaign is so much better than Trump’s dark, bitter, ill-humoured approach, observes Charles Wooley.
Public funds call on grant in Voice vote
The Tasmanian Community Fund has flatly rejected the findings of an Auditor-General’s report which found irregularities around a $557k grant related to the Voice referendum last year.
‘Best when she keeps her mouth shut’: MP’s fury over ‘sexist’ comment
A government minister has been slammed as ‘unequivocally sexist’ for comments made about a female MP on Thursday, but he says his words were taken out of context. Find out who said what.
State abuse victim payouts to blow huge hole in budget
Tasmania will spend a huge amount compensating the victim-survivors of abuse in government institutions – and in the process blow a massive hole in the state budget.
New ferries to run at half capacity for at least 12 months
The two new $880m Spirit of Tasmania ferries will sail at less than half capacity for at least their first year of operation. The details >>>
Revealed: Seventeen Ashley staff suspended over sex abuse claims
Seventeen staff at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre are currently suspended after being accused of child sexual abuse – with some the subject of multiple investigations, it has been revealed.
GPs urge funding to address critical doctor shortage
GPs are the “cornerstone of chronic disease management” and a shortage is putting pressure on the rest of the Tasmanian health system. Read what GPs think the remedy is:
Setback: Why final decision on Marinus Link has been delayed
A final investment decision on the multi-billion dollar Marinus Link project has been pushed back, prompting Labor to accuse the state government of “failing to deliver”.
Lights on 24/7, no window, no water: Inside a notorious dry cell
A report reveals what it is like inside one of Tasmania’s dry cells, and raises concerns they breach international torture rules.
Fall in hotel occupancy rates hurts the bottom line
Occupancy rates in the state’s hospitality venues have hit troubling lows as the loss of Dark Mofo events leaves a gap in the state’s off-season tourism calendar.
‘Crook’s worst nightmare’: Elite police squad doubled in size
The police squad dubbed the “crook’s worst nightmare” has been doubled in size and made full-time.
Tasmania could catch up on laws recognising animal cruelty in DV
‘This is what I’ve done to your pet and this is what I can do to you.’ Tasmania could soon catch up on legislation that recognises how animal cruelty is used by abusers to control their partners.
Elderly support denied just an hour’s drive from the city
Elderly residents approved for home support are being denied services because nominated providers say they are too far away – despite being just an hour from Hobart.
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