The New South Wales Senator, known for his strong social media presence and larrikin attitude, visited Launceston on Friday and wasted no time criticising the federal government’s treatment of the state. 

“You’ve got this incredible city and yet Tasmania’s really become, now, the forgotten island,” he said. 

Senator Dastyari said the lack of visits to the state by federal government ministers since the budget, was evidence Tasmania had been forgotten.

During his visit, Senator Dastyari called on the state and federal government to prioritise improving sewerage infrastructure and the health of the Tamar River.    

In last year’s federal election campaign Labor committed $75 million to improving Launceston’s water infrastructure.

Senator Dastyari said the federal and state government needed to make a significant funding commitment to improve the health of the Tamar River. 

In a partnership with all three levels of government, the Launceston City Deal aims to improve the health of the Tamar Estuary by 2022.

In this week’s state budget the government allocated $500,000 towards implementing a Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce.

Senator Dastyari caused controversy earlier this month after posting a personal Facebook video slamming high house prices in Sydney.

On Friday he praised Launceston’s affordable housing and great weather.