Public Accounts Committee hearings today have confirmed the need for broader action to help Tasmania's economic and social recovery, with the state's economy on the edge.
Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said the hearings have raised serious questions about the government's recovery plans.
"This morning's hearings have confirmed that Tasmania's economy is being kept alive by JobKeeper and JobSeeker, and the path to recovery is still highly uncertain" Mr O'Byrne said.
"Just over 15,000 Tasmanian businesses - or 40 per cent - have accessed JobKeeper, supporting around 63,000 workers throughout the pandemic. And more than 34,000 people remain on JobSeeker.
"With both payments being wound back from next month, the state's economy is edging closer to a cliff unless more is done to support job creation across all regions and sectors.
"The hearings have also confirmed a massive underspend on infrastructure and delays to a number of health and other capital projects, leaving a big question mark over the government's plan to build its way out of COVID-19.
"The Treasury Secretary Tony Ferrall made it clear today that the pandemic's impact on our economy will be prolonged and will depend on consumer and business confidence, as well as the effects of the unfolding situation in Victoria.
"That means we need a broader plan for social and economic recovery to support not only the building and construction industry, but also other struggling sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, health and the arts.
"Labor's COVID-19 Recovery Package contains proposals across a range of sectors to get Tasmanians back into jobs, help those hardest hit by the pandemic and create a better and fairer economy and society. "Our economy faces serious ongoing challenges and risks. We need a comprehensive plan to ensure all Tasmanians share in our recovery."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
