Will Hodgman reflects on the past year, looks to Tasmania's future

"There’s a lot of development and a renewed sense of confidence in the business community in the North," Mr Hodgman said. 

Mr Hodgman cited the strength of the agribusiness sector, including the recent announcement of a new trade strategy with Japan which will support a variety of industry and business, as providing a stronger sense of optimism about what the future holds.  

"This year will present as a great opportunity for Northern Tasmania to see more of the economic prosperity that Hobart has," he said. 

Sunday, March 3 marked the one year anniversary of Mr Hodgman's victory at the most recent election, however the premier said the year had not been without its challenges. 

Bass MHA Sarah Courtney's controversial personal relationship, the resignations of Braddon MHA Adam Brooks and Lyons MHA Rene Hidding, and now the delayed resumption of parliament because the government does not hold a majority with a seat vacant have all raised questions as to whether Mr Hodgman's government is in chaos. 

"You can expect challenges and expect the unexpected in my job," Mr Hodgman said. 

"The real test is what you're delivering and whether you've been able to progress what you've promised at the election and what Tasmanians voted for.

"Notwithstanding the fact that Labor and the Greens voted together 81 per cent of the time, and that was a record in itself, we were also able to get a record amount of legislation through our parliament last year for any year of an election."

Mr Hodgman said his government had been able to implement the first year plan that was taken to the election and cited his greatest achievement from 2018 as being the year where the Tasmanian economy was the fastest growing in the country. 

"To have the highest levels of business confidence and to have a budget that remains in a strong and sustainable position is a very important part of our agenda, and what we’ve delivered, because that means we can invest more into schools and hospitals, keep costs of living pressures down and manage unexpected shocks like the bushfires that we’re now dealing with."

Mr Hodgman acknowledges it is a different parliament now than when elected, which brings with itself challenges. 

With the losses of Mr Brooks, following a damming inquiry into his actions, and Mr Hidding, with a historical sexual assault claim, Mr Hodgman said he does not believe for one minute the changes in his government will weaken his team at all. 

"The job goes on we’ve just got to manage that transition," he said. 

"The foundations of our team are very strong and we’re all elected on the same platform and with the same objective and that’s what binds us."

With former Braddon MHA Joan Rylah set to return, and Liberal candidate John Tucker likely to replace Mr Hidding in Lyons, Mr Hodgman said he welcomed the fresh energy these members would add. 

"Joan’s got the experience, she’s a very passionate advocate for the North-West Coast and she’ll bring that back to our parliament.

"John Tucker is very new and will be a fresh face and voice, and again a strong representative for his community. 

"He is very much an East Coast guy with a lot of passion for regional Tasmania and our agricultural sector, he’ll bring a whole new fresh perspective with that change." 

Although specific legislation plans will not be announced until the premier delivers his State of the State speech, Mr Hodgman said the cost of living agenda and investments into health and education remain priorities for this year. 

"We're gonna hit 2019 head on," he said. 

"We’ll also do all we can to make sure that Tasmania’s good quality of life is preserved. 

"There’s a lot of development, increasingly so in regional Tasmania and outside of Hobart. It’s fantastic to see the business confidence in Northern Tasmania.

"We need to make sure that we can keep pace with that and have stronger support for a faster growing population as well - that’s at the heart of our plan." 

Mr Hodgman said the government was on track to deliver a budget surplus this year as promised, however, it would be smaller than originally expected due to a write down in GST receipts. 

Fulfilling the promise to legislate minimum mandatory sentences for child sex offenders is still a priority, despite being blocked in parliament in 2018. 

"We’ve got a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable in our community, particularly young children who are subject to vile assault and attack, where perpetrators are apprehended and sentenced -  they should be severely punished by our court system," Mr Hodgman said. 

The government promise to extend all high schools to year 12 is expected to continue being a great success in regional areas.  

"There's been a significant increase in enrolments students are now able to access education in their community without having to travel long distances, where in the past they typically drop out.

"We've deliberately started in rural areas and remote areas to engage those students back into the system."