Spending too little each year, then a paltry catch-up, sets up our health system for failure.

There’s a surreal aspect to the current public commentary on the health crisis gripping Tasmania. We know there’s a problem and we need a solution.

Everyone avoids talking about the giant elephant in the room, the Government’s unsustainable fiscal position.

Addressing the health crisis requires looking at all factors that have contributed to the mess. Otherwise, suggested remedial action is about as useful as relying on backburning alone to address climate change challenges.

Read more ...

The government is under pressure to release its final report on a review of the Electoral Act including political donations.

A government spokesman said: "As we have previously said, the review's interim report has been released, with a final report expected to government by the end of the year."

Independent member for Murchison Ruth Forrest wants the government to make public any proposed changes as a priority.

Read more ...

The Advocate (2 December, 2019) reported on the recent Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) 2019 Tasmania Report, noting it paints 'a grim picture of the state's future if targeted investment into critical services is not achieved.'

The underlying issue, that almost everyone avoids talking about, is the government's unsustainable fiscal position. The State government is in the same position now as it was when it won government in 2014. We spend more than we receive. The imbalances will worsen. There are no cash buffers. There are no funds set aside for a rainy day.

The economic success and benefit is not being shared as the gap between economic and social outcomes has failed to close.

Read more ...