Give me another go

Yeah and we have. It’s not true to say we’ve cut health spending as our political opponents are asserting. We have invested record amounts into health, it’s a number one priority for Tasmanians, and we recognise that. We are rebuilding hospitals in all corners of the state, we are employing more staff, we’ve put on more nurses for example that were cut under the former government, we are reopening wards that were closed and opening more beds, we are responding to demand — and these things are only possible because we’ve got our budget back into surplus.

Now, a reader — Claire — asks: “Premier, what is your ultimate vision for public education in Tasmania?”

It’s to get retainment, completion and achievement results up to at least the national average. It’s to have vibrant school communities right across the state, and we are investing in improving school facilities so they are the most attractive and contemporary learning environments. Our vision is for Tasmania’s education to be the best in the country, where it should be — and not lagging as it has in the past.

Do you think we will have a college system in Tasmania in, say, 20 years? They are not at all under threat under our plan. In fact, they are often supplementing the work we do and there are wonderful partnerships between our colleges and our public schools that are keeping our students engaged in an education that best suits them, best suits their communities and which is in fact lifting our education results, which is a great thing.

The election in March, what are your considerations for the date?

I have always been clear on the fact that we will run full-term. And I look forward to people having their say in March, because, as I say, it will be a really important decision to make and we shouldn’t go backwards. There’s a lot to be done and we’ve got a great plan for the future, so between now and March we will be talking to Tasmanians as much as we can about that.