Budget reveals vast bulk of stadium funding to come after 2025

The biggest Tasmania-specific measures included $109 million towards construction of the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, and $62.1 million for the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme, plus $6 million over two years for an upgrade to tourist facilities at Freycinet.

In a budget with little specific spending detailed for the state, Tasmanians are set to benefit from the government's Energy Price Relief Plan, which will provide energy bill rebates of up to $500 for families and up to $650 for businesses.

This builds on the state government's existing Winter Bill Buster Payments of $180 for Tasmanians on income support payments.

Tasmanians will also benefit from better access to GPs, with the government tripling bulk billing incentives to doctors.

Other already announced initiatives included $4.7 million to fund fee-free courses to encourage Tasmanians to train in priority areas in the energy sector, and $55 million over several years to fund the Tarraleah hydro power scheme redevelopment.

Previously announced funding to develop a medical research centre within the Launceston General Hospital will total $2.4 million this year, and total $3.6 million by 2026-2027.

Robert Mallett, chief executive officer of the Tasmanian Small Business Council, said it was a pity the government had not opted for more measures aimed at increasing business investment, such as the instant asset write-off scheme under the former coalition government.

He also said the budget should have taken more steps to encourage more skilled migration in order to plug critical labour gaps in Tasmania and other states.

But Mr Mallett also said Tasmanian businesses stood to benefit from measures to increase Jobseeker and government payments to over-55s.

Small businesses also stand to benefit from the $650 energy bill rebate for business, he said.

Australian Medical Association president Professor Steve Robson said the budget contained measures to improve access to general practice for vulnerable Australians, tackle inadequate Medicare indexation and make medicines more affordable for consumers battling with the cost of living.

The measures included tripling the Medicare Rebate for concession card holders and children under 16.

"With access to GP care getting more difficult for these patients due to increasing out of pocket costs, this targeted support is much needed and will make a real difference, especially in rural and regional areas," he said.

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