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The state government has increased its public sector job cuts from an election commitment of 500 to 700 but says the cuts are far less severe than the 1000 foreshadowed by the previous government’s last budget.
As well, the government will abolish 16 of the state’s best known boards such as the School's Registration Board, while the board administering the Legal Aid Commission will be reduced.
The government will also progressively increased the dividends of its businesses to 90 per cent of after tax profits, including a special payment from the Motor Accidents Insurance Board of $100 million this financial year.
The budget provides increased spending in the major agencies of education and health, including a feasibility study into a Launceston hospice.
The budget provides $9 million for Brooks High foreshadowed last year and $3.3 million for the George Town child and family centre.
In other measures:
- Tasports and Tasrail may be merged or share functions.
- The government expects an announcement on international shipping out of the North soon and has allocated $33 million .
- A further $67 million for health this financial year, taking the total to $1.46 billion.
- Spending on education will be at record levels but $20 million will be made in savings.
- Spending on police is up but $40 million will be found in savings.
- Tourism will get a $16 million boost for marketing.
- An extra $170 million will be added to infrastructure spending.
- Parliament House will have to find $1.5 million in savings, mainly by merging staff.
