Tasmania
I did most of my education in Tasmania and, after spending almost 34 years on what Tasmanians call ‘the mainland’, returned to Tasmania in December 2014. Both while I was living away, and since returning, I’ve maintained a keen interest in the progress (or, at times, lack of it) of Australia’s smallest state. The pieces here represent some of my efforts to advocate for policies which, in my opinion, would result in a stronger Tasmanian economy and improved living standards for Tasmanians.
Opening Statement to Senate Select Committee on the Tasmanian Freight Equalization Scheme
Economic Policies, Tasmania | 13th November 2024I was asked to give evidence to the Senate Select Committee inquiry into the Tasmanian Freight Equalization Scheme which held a public hearing in Hobart on 13th November. Here’s my ‘opening statement’ to the hearing. In answers to questions about what needs to be done, I suggested that the ‘parameters’ used to determine rates […]
‘Tasmanian Money Matters’ – Tasmania’s Economy and Public Finances
Economic Policies, Tasmania | 3rd October 2024Tasmania is no longer ‘leading the nation’ on most economic indicators, as it was for a while between 2017 and 2022, and its public finances are on track to become the worst of any state or territory. And the current Government isn’t doing anything about either. Saul’s presentation to an ‘Island of Ideas’ forum hosted […]
A ‘path back to surplus’ for the Tasmanian Budget? Not really
Tasmania | 17th September 2024Saul’s op-ed in the Hobart Mercury of 17th September arguing that, contrary to the Tasmanian Government’s assertions, the 2024-25 Budget does not chart a credible ‘path back to surplus by 2029-30’ – or at least, not a surplus which can then be used to start repaying debt.
What’s happening in the economy – nationally and in Tasmania
Economic Policies, Tasmania, The Australian Economy | 13th September 2024Saul’s presentation to the Governance Institute of Australia’s Tasmanian Governance Forum on 13th September 2024, providing some perspectives on recent developments in the Australian economy and the outlook for interest rates – and also the Tasmanian economy, the Independent Review of Tasmania’s State Finances and the 2024-25 Budget presented the day before.
Tasmania’s State Budget 2024 – 2025 with Leon Compton
News, Recent Media Interview, Tasmania | 13th September 2024Saul talks to ABC Hobart’s Leon Compton about Tasmania’s State Budget 2024 – 2025
Tasmania’s 2024-25 State Budget – an Assessment
Economic Policies, Tasmania | 12th September 2024Saul’s ‘take’ on the 2024-25 Tasmanian Budget, presented by Treasurer Michael Ferguson on 12th September 2024. In a nutshell, the Government has left the task of returning Tasmania’s public finances to a sustainable position to another day – or to another government.
Tasmania’s State Finances – presentation to the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s Annual Conference
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Tasmania | 4th September 2024Saul’s presentation to the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s Annual Conference in Hobart on 4th September (with some concluding observations on the initial responses of Tasmania’s major political parties to the Independent Review of Tasmania’s State Finances presented on 19th August).
Media Interview: Independent Review of Tasmania’s State Finances with Steve Cannane
News, Recent Media Interview, Tasmania | 20th August 2024Saul Eslake talks to ABC Radio National Breakfast’s Steve Cannade about the Independent Review of Tasmania’s State Finances which was released on 19th Aug 2024.