Legislative Council, Thursday 20 June 2024 

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

My question is with regard to the contract with economist Saul Eslake to provide a report on the state's finances, further to an agreement between the Premier and the parliamentary members of the Jacqui Lambie Network:

(3) Who are the parties for the contract?

(4) To whom will the report be provided?

(5) When will the report be provided?

(6) Subject to the answer to (2) above, will the report be released publicly?

(7) Will the report be tabled in parliament?

(8) Will the government respond to any issues raised or recommendations made and how will the government respond?

ANSWER

Mr President. I have an answer here. The government welcomes the independent review of Tasmania's finances by Mr Saul Eslake. The contract for services is held between the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Mr Eslake and per the agreement with the Jacqui Lambie Network, the review will be completed within six months.

I have been racing around all lunchtime. I might take a breath and slow down.

Upon completion, the report will be provided to the department and the JLN members.

The report will subsequently be made public and tabled in parliament, and the government will carefully consider its recommendations and seek appropriate advice at that time to inform the response.

We welcome the review and look forward to working with Mr Eslake and the Jacqui Lambie Network to deliver it.