TasFarmers Matters - State budget must focus on red tape and reform

The state budget announced in May was undoubtedly a trigger for the no-confidence vote that led us to an early election.

One that nobody wanted.

Next week, an interim budget will be presented, and it’s likely to include modifications to what was announced in May.

Wholesale changes will more likely come next year when the Government hands down a full budget.

In the meantime, it has already begun consulting on where savings can be made. TasFarmers, representing many small to medium businesses statewide, wants the Government to honour its commitment of no new taxes and look at its own spending, particularly within the public service.

This part of the budget has grown in size and cost over the last decade to the point it’s no longer sustainable or delivering clear value for Tasmanian residents or businesses.

Savings will need to be made across the board and must include a big-picture view of GBE accountability, where poor decisions have cost this state significantly.

We need to take a hard look at the size and efficiency of our bureaucracy.

Every state service employee is there to either deliver services or administer regulations.

Here lies the real opportunity.

Through reducing red tape, we can lower the number of people required to administer those regulatory burdens.

This would not only help repair the fiscal position but also allow farmers and businesses to get on with producing food, fibre, and pharmaceuticals efficiently and to the highest quality.

This savings push must include long-overdue reform of local government.

In this age, 29 councils are far too many for a state of our size.

We hear regularly that regional and rural communities are being let down by service levels.

With costs mounting, councils must be required to seek efficiencies through shared services, mergers or other models.

Without political leadership, neither state services nor councils will pursue these changes.

The state is at a crossroads.

Agriculture has always been one of Tasmania’s most critical and reliable industries, and it will remain so, as it is built on world-class natural assets and the capability of the people.

As traditional heavy industries approach the end of their useful life, Tasmania must look ahead.

The question is: what are the future industries of our state?

Now is the time to invest in value-adding.

We should be taking the premium produce we grow and turning it into higher-value products manufactured right here before export.

Every budget dollar invested in agriculture returns many more to the Tasmanian economy.