The state government has announced tomorrow's state budget will cut Tasmania's net debt from $400 million to $50 million over the forward estimates.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Treasurer Peter Gutwein told parliament this morning that the budget would not be a 'slash-and-burn' budget, but would slash the state's debt.
A budget risk report released in April revealed the state's cumulative deficit hit $1.1 billion over the four-year budget period, and a doubling of forecast net debt to $400 million by 2017.
But Mr Gutwein announced in question time this morning that it would be reduced down to about $50 million.
Taxi rides returned to the spot light, with Opposition Leader Bryan Green telling Parliament that State Growth Minister Matthew Groom spent $152 on a luxury taxi for an eight minute fare he never took.
''Michael Ferguson has set a precedent by belatedly repaying his four-month old $776 taxi fare and Matthew Groom should now do the same,'' Mr Green said.
An RTI document showed Mr Groom ordered a taxi from Sandy Bay to the Botanical Gardens in Hobart but cancelled the ride.
Premier Will Hodgman said the government had already saved $27,000 by reducing the number of ministerial drivers.