WHAT THEY SAID .....

ON POPULATION GROWTH: WILL HODGMAN: “We are on track, it is because we had a plan and a strategy we took into government.” REBECCA WHITE: “Targets are important, but we need to look at the sort of people we bring to Tasmania — we don’t want to be the aged-care capital of the world”. KEEPING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN THE STATE:

WH: “Our strategy has been very much focused with engaging and connecting with our expats but also to utilising strong connections we have with organisations such as the University of Tasmania and Tasmanian business and industry.”

RW: “We’ve announced industry advisory councils to partner with business in eight key sectors of the economy to see what the jobs of the future will look like.” HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: WH: “We’re looking to free up publicly owned government land, to make it available to the private sector and also the community sector.”

RW: “The announcement today about unlocking the potential along the rail corridor in the Northern Suburbs is a real game-changer for Hobart.” RAISING EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS: WH: “We are now lifting not only attainment but retention levels for young Tasmanians who, a few years ago, would not have thought of completing Year 11 and 12.”

RW: “We need to start early, that’s why we would invest in more Child and Family Centres so we can work with families to encourage them to have a love of lifelong learning.” COUNCIL AMALGAMATIONS: WH: “Twenty-four of our 29 councils are actively engaged and have agreed to consider amalgamations. These discussions are happening and it’s delivering positive progress.”

RW: “We want better services, consistency and good government. Is amalgamation the right answer to that question? The Labor Party has a position of no forced amalgamations.” FIXING PROBLEMS WITH WATER AND SEWERAGE: WH: “Under our plan, we can get on with fixing the problems, knowing what the best way to do it is.” RW: “We would continue to work with local government and the Federal Government to get the money to get these projects moving.” DEAL WITH THE GREENS TO FORM GOVERNMENT: WH: “No. I’ve said that before ... and it’s not the first time I’ve stood on a stage with a Labor leader who has said they wouldn’t deal with the Greens.” RW: “No. A vote for Labor is a vote for Labor. We won’t be doing deals with anyone else.”