No Surprise Budget Provides a Steady Hand

Media Release

26 May 2022

Today’s budget handed down by the Tasmanian Treasurer Hon Michael Ferguson, provides consolidation in key areas of health and housing and an air of quiet confidence as we all regroup from the COVID crunch.

Ongoing support for the Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program is welcomed, but its lack of any substantial funding through the forward estimates is of concern.

No big surprises and some solid investment in emerging small business opportunities with the investments into the Science, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries.

In addition, ongoing support for round three of the Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Grant program opening in August will encourage Tasmanian entrepreneurs to continue to do business in Tasmania. Already delivering in excess of $2.2M investment into the Tasmanian economy and an estimated 40 jobs, this hi tech sector will continue to grow our knowledge base.

A new focus on school years 9-12 in vocational education through the establishment of a fit for purpose RTO will go some way to ensuring that the Tasmanian trades sector will have access to job ready workers committed to their sector. This will lead to less early employment angst for enterprise owners and a more streamlined experience for all in the new look TasTAFE operating environment. They are the tradies of the future and we need them and their employers operating on all cylinders.

ROBERT MALLETT
CEO
TASMANIAN SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
0408 144 884