The latest Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook points to more trouble ahead for Tasmania’s economy, as the Liberals continue to be consumed by infighting.

The March 2024 Business Outlook shows Tasmania has the lowest forecast economic growth in the nation – falling 0.5 per cent this year, and growing just 0.3 per cent next year.

Tasmania is also the only state with forecast job losses over the next two years – with thousands more jobs set to be lost across 2023-24 and 2024-25.

The report cites the state’s low population growth as a limiting factor, with more than 3,000 people leaving Tasmania for opportunities elsewhere in the year to September 2023.

This is the second report in a week to show Tasmania’s economy is flatlining, with the latest CommSec State of the States report showing Tasmania recorded job losses at a time when every other state or territory was adding new jobs.

Premier Rockliff was right when he warned Tasmanians that chaos in parliament would lead to business confidence taking a hit but what he didn’t say was that the chaos would be coming from Liberal Party ranks.

Since Premier Rockliff’s leadership sent his government into minority, Tasmania has already shed 5,000 jobs and now the budget has been delayed while the economy flatlines and opportunities pass us by, as the Liberals put all their energies into dealing with their internal fighting, rather than focusing on Tasmanians.

Tasmania needs a government that is focused on delivering the projects and jobs that will get Tasmania’s economy back on track.

While the Liberals eat themselves alive, Labor is focused on unlocking Tasmania’s potential and growing our economy by backing renewable energy projects that will guarantee the future of manufacturing in Tasmania and create well-paid, safe and secure jobs for Tasmanians.

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer