Tax cuts, highways and jobs in PM’s bold by-election play for Braddon
UPDATED: THERE was a little more pork in the barrel when Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launched Braddon candidate Brett Whiteley’s campaign in Burnie
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has driven home the Government’s jobs and business credentials while launching Braddon candidate Brett Whiteley’s by-election campaign in Burnie.
In front of 150 vocal supporters, Mr Turnbull announced two road funding projects and a $3.9 million training package.
The launch coincided with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s launch of Justine Keay’s campaign as promises of cash pour in to the Braddon electorate ahead of the Super Saturday by-elections on July 28.
Mr Turnbull said the $3.9 million North-West Tasmania Job Ready Generation Package would upskill 600 Tasmanians with the qualifications and on-the-job training required in the growing sectors of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, building and construction.
“It will include $1 million to fund the delivery of school based pre apprenticeship and apprenticeship training and it has the funding to support 160 apprenticeships over three years,” he said.
Two projects were part of the $400 million Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative already announced in the Federal Budget.
“Today I can confirm that $60 million of that will be spent on the Bass Highway between Wynyard and Marrawah and with $40 million from the Hodgman Government that means $100 million will be invested in that section,” he said.
“That is not an election pledge, it is real money it is a commitment, that money is going to flow because we are in government.”
Mr Turnbull said a $10 million roads funding package for upgrades to the Murchison Highway would also come from the ROSE initiative.
“That road is critical to moving mining product to the Burnie port for export,” he said.
Premier Will Hodgman welcomed the commitment which would support the resources sector, visitor economy and improve safety and productivity.
A State Government spokesman said Federal funds would go towards a $2.5 million Ulverstone Cultural Precinct.
Mr Turnbull said the Government’s personal income tax cuts would benefit 40,000 people in Braddon by $530 a year.
And business tax cuts would benefit 8700 small businesses in the electorate.
Mr Whiteley, acknowledging that a Government has not won a by-election from an Opposition since 1920. “We can be political historymakers,” said.
Mr Turnbull is also visiting the West Coast.
Former UTAS vice-chancellor could be dropped from sexual misconduct lawsuit
Former UTAS vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen could be dropped from a sexual misconduct lawsuit, as the complainant considers solely going after the university.
Mine’s major plans at the mercy of the EPA
The owners of a West Coast mine want to build a new storage facility to keep up with demand, but before it can be built, they must convince the EPA they can do it safely and sustainably.