Greens Push $1.4 Billion Budget Overhaul, Reject Stadium and Target Major Industries

Download IPFS

The Tasmanian Greens have unveiled a bold budget proposal aimed at raising $1.4 billion in revenue by scrapping major infrastructure projects and increasing taxes on select industries. At the heart of the plan is the cancellation of the Macquarie Point stadium project and the introduction of higher levies on mining, salmon farming, property development, and gambling sectors.

The Greens argue that their proposal marks a shift away from capital-intensive spending toward urgent investments in healthcare and housing. Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff said the approach would “protect essential services without resorting to public asset sales or deep public sector cuts.”

In addition to eliminating subsidies for the logging and horse racing industries, the Greens are targeting what they describe as “high-impact” sectors. These include Tasmania’s salmon farming operations and mining companies, both of which are key contributors to the state’s export economy.

“The Greens’ plan puts Tasmanians first and the big corporations second,” Woodruff said during a media briefing. She emphasized the goal of repairing the budget while safeguarding community services and family needs.

However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from both major parties. Opposition Leader Dean Winter, who has ruled out any post-election coalition with the Greens, accused them of threatening Tasmania’s economic foundation.

“They want to shut down key industries, and that would gut the revenue we depend on to fund schools and hospitals,” Winter said. He labeled the Greens as “economic vandals,” a phrase commonly used by opponents who see their policies as disconnected from regional economic realities.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff of the Liberal Party also voiced concerns. He defended the state’s primary industries and rejected any suggestion of additional taxation. “We support primary industries because they employ thousands of Tasmanians. We will not tax them,” Rockliff stated.

Rockliff also pointed to the government’s long-term financial plan, which forecasts an operating surplus by 2030 and a fiscal surplus by 2032. He argued that this path is achievable without raising taxes. The premier further warned voters about the risk of a potential Green-Labor alliance, saying, “With a Green-Labor government, Tasmanians will face higher taxes. There’s no question about it.”

While the Greens maintain that their plan is a fiscally responsible path to reduce debt and protect public services, critics argue it would drive investment away and lead to job losses. The proposal has sparked a wider debate about whether Tasmania should prioritize growth-driven economic strategies or shift toward environmental and social spending.

As the state enters a period of economic uncertainty and political change, Tasmanian voters will soon be faced with a clear choice between competing visions for the future.