In his State of the State speech to open the Parliamentary year, Mr Hodgman outlined the government’s priorities for the next 12 months, and highlighted the health white paper as a badly needed reform.

‘‘Without reform of the system itself we cannot expect to achieve improved health outcomes in the long term,’’ Mr Hodgman said.

‘‘The fact is, the health system is not working, and in its current form, cannot work.’’

The Premier said the white paper would outline difficult decisions, but promised to be open and transparent throughout the process.

‘‘This plan is not about saving money, and we won’t be closing any hospitals. Nor is it about taking away services from people,’’ he said.

‘‘It is, literally, about saving lives. It’s about improving health outcomes, with the resources we have.

‘‘My plea, to all Tasmanians, is approach this issue with an open mind.’’

Mr Hodgman also used the speech to spruik positive economic data, such as falling unemployment and strong business confidence.

‘‘All of this hasn’t happened by accident,’’ he said.

‘‘There is no doubt policy decisions we have made have had an impact on this.’’

Mr Hodgman said the focus on China and the visit of President Xi Jinping last year was already having a positive effect.

‘‘There has been a spike in interest in our products, and in prices and volumes of our produce sold to China,’’ he said.

‘‘Tourist visitation from China is reported to be hitting a record high off the back of the visit.’’

Mr Hodgman said Tasmanians had plenty of reason to be optimistic in 2015.

‘‘While it’s early days, and there’s a lot to be done, there are very positive signs for the future,’’ he said.