The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to responsibly invest in and deliver nationally significant, nation-shaping projects for Australia, and that includes vital projects across Tasmania.
We are supporting Tasmania's infrastructure priorities now and into the future.
These decisions will drive productivity, boost economic growth and create job opportunities.
They also improve and save lives, ensure that Tasmania is well placed to grow its economy and revitalise regions by supporting communities across the state.
Between the 2023-24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook's forward estimates and the 2024-25 budget, Tasmania's infrastructure spending has increased from $1.56 billion to $1.79 billion.
That means Tasmania will be $236 million better off.
We have also committed an extra $284 million to projects, including $171 million to six new projects and $113 million to help the Tasmanian Government deliver on four existing projects - representing an uplift in spend.
This infrastructure spending does not include the substantial doubling of the national Roads to Recovery Program, which will progressively increase from $500 million to $1 billion per year.
The Black Spot Program will increase from the current commitment of $110 million to $150 million per year.
The Australian Government has also invested $40 million of upgrades into the Bass Highway upgrades between Wynyard and Cooee, with the project expected to be completed in late 2024.
We welcome the Tasmanian Government's engagement with Infrastructure Australia on the Tamar River Crossing and look forward to considering this project in future once Infrastructure Australia has completed its assessment.
This is about getting on with delivering a better future for Tasmanians, one that builds economic opportunity and thriving communities, and not playing politics with Tasmania's infrastructure projects.
Quotes attributable to Carol Brown, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Transport:
"Recent claims of a $40 million reduction over the forward estimates are incorrect - in fact there was a $40m increase.
"We worked closely with the Tasmanian Government and their officials during the recent caretaker period to determine priority projects.
"The Albanese Government remains committed to working with the Tasmanian Government on delivering key infrastructure upgrades and new projects.
"The Albanese government looks forward to working closely with Michael Ferguson and the Tasmanian Government on delivering key projects around the state, and I hope we can have a constructive and positive relationship moving forward."
