To govern for all

TACKLING the housing crisis, addressing climate change and reducing social disadvantage will be the centrepieces of the Government’s agenda over the next 12 months, the Premier revealed yesterday.

Mr Gutwein used his State of the State address on the first day of parliament for the year to unveil a number of new budget initiatives in housing, health, energy and tourism.

Among the major announcements were:

NEW major projects legislation to fast-track big developments.

REFORMS to water, power and sewerage permits for new homes.

A RENEWABLE energy target of 200 per cent of current needs by 2040.

A COMPREHENSIVE Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.

“Over the last six years we have demonstrated we are a disciplined, united and responsible government,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We have built the foundations for, and sustained, strong economic and jobs growth for our state.”

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch earlier revealed the Government would transfer the management of 2000 Housing Tasmanian properties to community housing providers and fund another $22 million of Community Housing Grants to deliver 220 more homes for people on the housing register.

And there were the expected extensions to the state’s $20,000 First Home Owners Grants and stamp duty concessions, and increases to the Government’s maximum contribution under the Home-Share program from $83,000 to $100,000.

The Premier also announced a massive boost for renewable energy over the next 20 years.

“We have already committed to being 100 per cent renewable by 2022 and we are on track to meet this target,” he said. “Today we are announcing a new renewables generation target of 200 per cent of our needs by 2040, which will see Tasmania double its renewable production. Our new Renewable Energy Action Plan will be released in April and will ensure that Tasmania remains the renewable energy powerhouse of Australia.”

Mr Gutwein said his Government was committed to making sure all Tasmanians benefited from the current boom.

“We are investing record amounts into health, education, housing and infrastructure, and to protect the most vulnerable. The government that I lead knows there is more to be done. We will be a government of conviction. We will be a government of compassion.”

Other initiatives announced yesterday included transitioning the government vehicle fleet towards low-emissions and electric vehicles, an additional $1 million in funding for Palliative Care Tasmania, and two new Tasmania Fire Service six-person “burn crews” to conduct hazard reduction burns.