With Tasmania’s budget debt and deficit reaching record levels, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) is calling on both major political parties to release fully costed savings plans before early voting begins, ensuring voters can make an informed choice.

 

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said budget sustainability must be the top priority for the next government.

 

“In the past two elections, we’ve seen billions of dollars in commitments with little regard for how they would be paid for. This approach is unsustainable and risks Tasmania’s long-term economic future,” Mr Bailey said.

 

“Both Labor and the Liberals must outline clear, detailed plans to restore the budget to surplus, including naming up where the savings will come from. These plans must be released before early polling opens so Tasmanians can judge which party has the best pathway to fiscal responsibility.”

 

Mr Bailey emphasised that without disciplined spending and a focus on private-sector growth, Tasmania’s budget challenges will only worsen.

 

“Businesses understand you can’t keep spending beyond your means indefinitely. The next government must show the same discipline. This isn’t about austerity; it’s about ensuring every taxpayer dollar delivers maximum value,” he said.

 

To hold parties accountable, the TCCI will track all spending commitments made during the campaign and release weekly updates every week until election day on 19 July.

 

“We will call out pork-barrelling for what it is and ensure voters have the facts before they cast their ballots,” Mr Bailey added.

 

TCCI Election Priorities

 

The TCCI’s key priorities for the 2025 Tasmanian election are:

  1. Budget Sustainability
    • Restore the budget to surplus through disciplined spending, fully costed savings, and backing the private sector.
  2. Energy Policy
    • Deliver Marinus Link on schedule, invest in renewable energy, and ensure affordable power for households and businesses.
  3. Governance
    • Introduce a Government-Business Charter to prioritise local contracts, ensure stability, and reform the public sector.
  4. Cost of Doing Business
    • Review business costs and develop a cost index to address rising expenses like power, insurance, and taxes.
  5. Education and Skills
    • Increase workforce participation by addressing barriers (education, transport, health) and supporting the TCCI’s Participation Taskforce.
  6. GBEs and Public Entities
    • Reform Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and State-owned Companies (SOCs) to align with commercial principles and review TasWater’s regulations.
  7. Health System Review
    • Establish a Commission of Inquiry to improve efficiency and sustainability in Tasmania’s health system.
  8. Infrastructure
    • Develop a priority infrastructure list to guide investments and secure federal funding.