By Peter Gutwein

Premier of Tasmania

It is a privilege to serve the people of Tasmania as the State’s 46th Premier. As Premier, I want to ensure we don’t take our current economic momentum for granted, and we continue to build on our strong economic foundations, in order to provide more opportunities and continue to improve social outcomes for Tasmanians. Together with my strong and experienced team, I am committed to delivering our long-term plan.

We are now seeing the flow on effects of having the fastest growing economy in the nation. We have created more than 18,000 jobs since coming to office, there are 1,600 new businesses and we have a plan in place to create 10,000 more jobs. Tasmanian businesses are the most confident in the country and this is important, because confident businesses invest for growth and employ more people. My vision for Tasmania is for a state that no matter where you live, no matter what your background is, no matter what your circumstances are – opportunities will be there for you too.

To create more opportunity, we need to continue to build on our strengths as a state. Tasmania is well on its way to becoming the eco-tourism capital of the world and we will continue to focus on ensuring all regions benefit from our strong visitor economy. We are the country’s renewable energy powerhouse and we can, and will, become the Battery of the Nation. Our nationally significant Marinus and Battery of the Nation projects are set to create 1,400 new jobs in Tasmania over the peak construction phase of Marinus Link and supporting transmission. The combined investment in Marinus Link and new renewable energy developments will inject $7.1 billion into the Tasmanian economy over the coming years.

While jobs and growing the economy remains my government’s priority, we know there’s more to do in health, housing and climate change. Not every Tasmanian is reaping the benefits of our stronger economy and that not every Tasmanian is able to realise the opportunities it presents. We can do more to ensure they can.

Since coming to Government, we have recorded the highest investment in our health system, and we need to continue to ensure we have the right resources in place to meet community needs and ensure people have access to the care they need, when they need it.

Every Tasmanian deserves a roof over their head, which is why we have invested a record $258 million through our Affordable Housing Action Strategy.

Tasmanians need to know that the sensible, responsible government we have provided in the past will continue under my leadership.

While any change doesn’t come without its challenges, this entire process has highlighted just how united we as a government are, and my team is focused on delivering for Tasmanians.

We will stay the course and deliver the policies and the plan we took to the last election. My Government will be a government of conviction, of compassion and importantly one of opportunity for all.

Image courtesy of the Examiner