Both the state and national budgets are facing some major issues moving forward.

After the economic decimation of coronavirus combined with the significant but necessary spending to help keep many from plunging into poverty, it will be a long time before we return to the economic times of even six months ago.

Which is why the suggestions of the Greens for future activity should be taken seriously. If their predictions of job growth are even close to accurate, then it must be considered.

The economic recovery plan touts a combination of debt and tax reform to fund a job creation initiative which would create 870,000 jobs.

That's pretty significant in anyone's language.

Built around building new public and community housing, expanding TAFE and universities and getting behind the arts and creative sectors, the Greens' plan would also have significant social and cultural spin-offs.

The Greens are also talking up a major manufacturing fund, and something that could be particularly attractive in Tasmania and this region with our obvious advantages in that space.

Some in our parliament and the community will reject it wholeheartedly because they can't countenance anything good coming from the Greens.

But this risks throwing away the good with the bad.

Respected Tasmanian economist Saul Eslake is also an advocate for spending in the shorter term, rather than more cuts to help restore the economy, particularly in his home state.

He says with relatively low interest rates, the state can expect to pay significantly less in interest on the forecast increase in net debt, and should be focusing on increasing gross state product.

On either front, spending to generate more from the economy is much more attractive than taking out the razor.

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