The Liberal government must act more decisively to confront the biggest threat to Tasmania's economy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said no stimulus package will protect the state unless it is delivered in tandem with the strongest possible measures to halt the spread of the virus.
"As an island, we have a window of opportunity to protect our community by taking decisive, rapid action to strengthen protection at our borders, including requiring people entering Tasmania to self-isolate for 14 days. We also need to reduce mass gatherings and support affected people to self-isolate.
"Public health experts tell us that window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
"The lesson from overseas is that the biggest threat to our economy is failing to do everything we possibly can to stop the spread of the virus. Health experts tell us we need to flatten the curve to get ahead of this situation, but we risk failing to do that.
"That will turn this stimulus package into a recovery package, with untold harm done in the meantime."
Ms White said while Labor welcomed the measures included in today's announcement, some key areas have been overlooked.
These include:
- working with councils and landlords to introduce rates and rental relief.
- working with utilities to introduce bill smoothing to allow customers to pay their bills over a longer period of time.
- resourcing unions to help affected workers access support and advice.
"As we see people increasingly isolated, we know that places stress on families. Investment is also needed in resources for family violence support services and child protection services.
"Population Health needs more staff. People are working extended hours, unable to take days off and will burn out. These people are our frontline response to the pandemic and we must ensure we continue to staff that response.
"Screening and border control will require additional workers, as will processing for the Tasmanian arrival card, and follow up contact with people who complete that card.
"Labor will support any action taken by this government to protect public health. This is an unprecedented situation and the community deserves leadership and collaboration.
"Tasmanians also deserve to know that every action possible is being taken to ensure the community is protected but without additional control measures that will not be the case."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
