Budget help for battlers

Millions for those on low incomes

TREASURER Peter Gutwein has continued the drip-feed of Budget details as the countdown to its delivery on Thursday continues.

Mr Gutwein yesterday announced his fifth State Budget would include $181 million as part of an ongoing initiative to provide electricity concessions for low-income Tasmanians, and $111 million in rates, water and sewerage concessions for low-income households.

He said the Budget would also follow through on an elec- tion commitment to provide a 50 per cent stamp duty discount for first home buyers and eligible pensioners looking to downsize on properties up to $400,000, which is expected to cost $8.5 million.

And there will be $3 million for the Ticket to Play voucher system to enable children to participate in local sport.

“The Government understands very clearly that costof-living pressures impact on households, we want to ensure that Tasmania is the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I think these measures will take some pressure off the housing market in Tasmania.

“We’re now in a position where we have a strong budget, a very strong set of financial circumstances, and we can provide this additional support.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said if the Government was serious about addressing the cost of living they would front-end money in the Budget for housing and health.

“Many Tasmanians right now are being forced into poverty because they simply cannot keep up with the cost of living when it comes to managing the rent,” she said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Liberals had made a “swag” of election promises they would need to find money for in the Budget.

“What we’ll be looking for is extra funding into child protection, housing, essential services, into looking after our parks and wild places, many things the Liberals have failed to prioritise during their four years in government,” she said.