Not only have they withstood an intense battle for Bass as part of the federal election, but then we send them to Hobart to be locked up in a room for multiple hours examining the state's budget papers.

The lockup is a tad more pleasant than it sounds. All the journalists are put into a room, which often overlooks the Derwent River and offers some lovely views for reflection.

Their phones are placed into an envelope and held by security until 3pm. Stacks of budget papers are ready on the tables for the journalists as they spend about five hours scrutinising the Treasurer's decisions. It's amazing how much work you can complete without the internet as a distraction.

But what our journalists are there to find out is what the budget means for Tasmanians, in particular, those living in the North. Given the reduction of GST and the like, we were not expecting any new projects to be listed. This was true.

A household budget is hard work, but pleasing a whole population would be impossible.

Last year's budget had infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, as its centrepiece. The idea being infrastructure spending would drive the economy.

There was no surprise in seeing that spend continue, even with the projection of net debt that would be more than $1.1 billion in three years.

Where the budget is disappointing is in the area of health. Yes, it's a record spend. But every year would be a record spend due to inflation and our aging population.

The budget is keeping the health system ticking over and not yet addressing key areas that can improve the lives of Tasmanians and reduce the impact on the system in years to come - such as preventative health. Yes, there is an investment in health infrastructure, but there are valid concerns about staff and recruitment.

Like many budgets before it, the health budget continues to be a Band-aid and not the beginnings of a cure.