Mr GAFFNEY (Mersey) - I congratulate the Gutwein Government on delivering this Budget for 2021-22. In 2020 we did not know what state our economy would be in 10 months down the line. To now be able to claim the highest level of employment on record for Tasmania, the unemployment rate well below the national average, is an achievement that no-one anticipated

I also congratulate the members in this place on the diverse range of contributions. It is always interesting to hear different viewpoints and priorities from individual members and I think that keeps it really interesting. Addressing the elephant in the room, we all know how difficult the last financial year has been for Tasmanians during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is heartening to see a state budget that has been constructed first and foremost for the safety and education of our people.

The necessary health measures implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have undoubtedly had an impact on both our economy and the lives of our people. Some Mersey constituents have expressed their concerns to me regarding the revitalisation of the economy through the easing of restrictions and the importance of ensuring that Tasmanians are supported through these difficult times. I am pleased to see the Government has set aside $300 million to allow a swift response to support those affected by possible future health measures.

One particular concern that has been raised by my constituents is the effect of restrictions on the mental health of Tasmanians. To this end, I commend the Government for the allocation of $26 million towards supporting mental health services in Tasmania, notably the $7.8 million over two years to expand COVID-19 introduced mental health services and the $8.5 million over two years towards the Mental Health Hospital in the Home pilot to be launched in the north-west.

The CEO of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, Connie Digolis, stated that:

These ambitious initiatives are set to be a game changer for everyone's mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is intrinsic to how we function as individuals, as communities, as an economy and as a society.

It is interesting in all of the elements covered by the budget there is always the request for more funding that is the balancing act that we have to take on board. Mental health support has been a service that, historically and seemingly, has been very heavily focused upon in southern Tasmania. The option for locals of the north-west and west coast to remain close to home surrounded by the support networks whilst having their mental health attended to is an invaluable opportunity that deserves special mention. I hope to see services such as these continue to expand in the north-west in the years to come.

I imagine we have all received opinions from individuals who wish that the Government could reassess the COVID-19 restrictions, both federally and as a state, for a number of reasons such as financial and social. I think we all received the following emails along the lines of:

Dear Mr Gaffney

As my representative I am asking you to bring an end to all of the COVID-19 lockdowns, border closures and restrictions because they are doing far more damage than good. The Prime Minister himself has said this is not a sustainable solution. Australia can't stay in a cave forever.

We have to open up and accept the fact that the virus will always be in our midst and yet some people will die from COVID-19 just as they die from all manner of other illnesses. As soon as everyone who wants the vaccine has had it everything should be open, borders, businesses, schools, everything.

Ongoing restrictions are causing immeasurable extra harm to lives, livelihoods and democracy.

I am calling on you to put an end to all of these restrictions and see that our freedoms and livelihoods are restored.
Yours truly

John

I take all those emails and messages on board because they are coming from constituents in my electorate. I usually respond along the lines of:

Dear John

I do appreciate receiving your message regarding the imposed COVID-19 restrictions which are occurring in various council areas, in towns, cities and regions across all states and territories in Australia. Both state and federal leaders are empowered by various legislation to make decisions they believe appropriate to protect not only the individual, but also the wider community.'
One of the strengths of our democracy is that people do have the right to voice their opinion without fear or favour.

When compared to some other places, we really are the lucky country.
It is not possible, however, for the respective governments - local, state and federal - to address all of the concerns of each person because of a myriad of divergent views within our communities. Thus, I don't envy those decision-makers who are entrusted by the people to keep the majority of Australians as safe as possible, as soon as practicable, and for as long as possible.

Indeed, revitalising the economy through the lifting of restrictions, increasing the number of vaccinations, allowing more travel in and out of areas and the wearing of face masks are just a few of the measures governments have introduced as safeguards and will regularly need to reassess.

As Australia and the rest of the world come to realise that the COVID pandemic and associated viruses are here to stay, decision-makers will be grappling with priorities in the way they introduce certain measures and strategies to keep the country and its people safe but also economically viable.

I will definitely take the opportunity, John, when it presents, to ensure all voices and differing opinions from my electorate are given a chance to be heard.

Mr President, this is one of those times when I can raise the issue of a concerned person in my electorate.

Mrs Hiscutt - Can I compliment the member for Mersey for his response that he is giving to his constituent. It is much more in depth than the ones I have supplied. Well done.

Mr GAFFNEY - The 2021-22 Budget has committed to further fortifying our health services across the state, making up 32 per cent of the overall budget. This is an important step as we come to terms with the apparent permanency of COVID-19 and associated viruses. For those in the north-west, it is essential that there are effective and accessible local healthcare options. As the population of the north-west continues to grow it is crucial that our district hospitals and community care centres are able to offer the necessary procedures and treatments.

Dr Annette Barratt of the Australian Medical Association noted that Tasmania has a population growing older and sicker each year, increasing the demand on our services. We need more vision, more action.

This speaks to the need of a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix for our health services struggling to keep up with demand but a vision to create a sustainable health system based on prevention. The announcement of $18.3 million over four years to increase staffing in Tasmania's district hospitals as part of the Safe Staffing model, is welcomed by the north-west community. A further $4.3 million over four years has been allocated to establish a new rural health medical workforce centre at the Mersey Community Hospital, combined with a $10 million expanded redevelopment of the Mersey Community Hospital, over the next three years. This, in conjunction with $8.4 million for rural hospital equipment and staffing statewide over the next three to four years will continue to support the north-west in offering quality health care to our residents.

For health services and specialist procedures that the north-west infrastructure is unable to provide us yet, the $1.4 million delivered over four years for community transport services will prove to be a valuable asset to those who live in regional areas of our state.

All these new developments would not reach their full potential of service to the community without the work of our paramedics. The additional 48 paramedics to be hired in the incoming four years statewide under this Budget will be an integral investment in the health and wellbeing of those in regional Tasmania. An additional $4.3 million has been set aside for the new Burnie Ambulance Station this year in conjunction with $9 million for new ambulances and equipment over three years. These increased services will allow locals in the north-west to better receive the very best medical care and attention in their region.

It is worth noting that while this Budget will help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system by providing increased services, it does little to address preventative health measures. Future budgets would do well to include further support towards community-based wellbeing and prevention programs to help keep Tasmanians healthy rather than aiming to only provide assistance after they are ill.

It should also be noted that the previous catchcry from the Government - 'the healthiest state by 2025' - has interestingly slipped off the Liberal agenda and is no longer in vogue. I imagine we all knew it was a nonsense. I believe the government of the day actually did as well; however, it is a clever marketing strategy. It seems that the more the members of the Government repeat the same slogan, the more Tasmanians are expected to believe it.

I believe that Tasmanians are smarter than that when it comes to health and equity and health outcomes. I believe, and it has been reinforced to me in recent times, that Tasmanians are by and large practical, pragmatic and able to accept the reality of the situation and circumstances.

I also believe that it is a sign of respect to be honest with any community group that we represent.

It is important that we appreciate the impact that climate change will have on various aspects of our livelihood, one of those being health. Throughout my speech I will weave in some of the information regarding climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report used words like 'code red', citing only five to ten years to make significant inroads to carbon pollution reduction and even then, the likelihood of keeping temperature increases to 1.5 degrees is looking unlikely.

With regard to health, that only means increasing the presentation of sick patients to our GP clinics and hospital emergency departments due to heat and bushfires, smoke-related illness, asthma, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes; and that is just the tip of the health iceberg as a climate change is heading our way. Superimpose that on an already stretched health system in Tasmania, or even a COVID-19 outbreak on top of that, and we are in a precarious position.

On the topic of health, it would be remiss of me not to direct attention to the Government's commitment to $9.2 million this year to support the implementation of the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2020 that was enacted earlier this year. The member for McIntyre mentioned that I might be able to shed some light on the funding, as suggested in the brochures.

The total amount of $9.2 million is spread over the four years: $1.579 million this year; $2.737 million in 2023; and then it levels out at $2.417 million for the following two years.

I imagine, as more information comes to light and the end-of-life choices pathway is being utilised by those eligible Tasmanians suffering intolerably, that the budget will more likely reflect the need to fulfil the act.

Voluntary assisted dying remains a difficult topic for many. I am cognisant of the fact that the setting up of necessary processes to support access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) are still very much in their early stages before the act comes into operation next year.

I am reassured by this Budget that as anticipated, palliative care of Tasmanians and access to voluntary assisted dying are not mutually exclusive areas of health care. Over $21.5 million allocated over four years to a variety of palliative care services across the state is testament to the importance of giving Tasmanians end-of-life choices, whatever those choices may be.

Indeed, as is consistent with all jurisdictions worldwide, whenever voluntary assisted dying or euthanasia legislation has been passed, it has shown there has been a significant increase in government funding committed to end-of-life choices. This increase is evident in this state as well - as it should be.

I again take this opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in the realisation of this legislation. With the parliamentary debates and over 100 community consultations coming to a close, the work is just beginning for the Voluntary Assisted Dying Taskforce so it is successful and regulated for those in our community who need it most.

Many people are aware that I am a passionate advocate for quality education in Tasmania. Quality education is a product of quality infrastructure, staff and training. I am pleased to see that education features as almost a quarter of the 2021-22 Budget, as promised in the Government's election campaign earlier this year.

I actually do not mind where the dollars are spent, as long as the funds are well spent in Tasmania.

Education infrastructure in the north-west is set to improve based on this year's allocations. $16.2 million has been dedicated this year to assist in the construction of a new north-west special support school as well as to upgrade the North West Support School, Burnie Campus.

In my previous life, I had an office at the North West Support School and anything we can do for those families and young people involved in that facility, we should do.

The Devonport High School is planned to proceed to the final stage of redevelopment thanks to another $4.6 million commitment this year from the Government. Other schools, including the Penguin District School and the Montello Primary School, have also been allocated for funding for redevelopments - although obviously not enough.

It is worth noting that many of these infrastructure developments are not anticipated to have substantial progress achieved until 2023-2024. Indeed, the spend on the north-west special support school will occur over more than four years with no current location nor construction date yet determined. It is projects such as these that all in the north-west want to ensure we remain committed to in future budgets.

Further, without a stable pool of teachers and staff to run our schools, as mentioned by the member for Elwick, infrastructure will be rendered redundant. Education shortages across the state need to be addressed to equally support our students. The creation of a pipeline of future teachers that want to remain in Tasmania will be essential.

In the digital age that we have been thrown into as a result of remote learning the Budget offers significant foresight in contributing $4.7 million over four years to the building of an online assessment platform for senior secondary assessment and exams. Steps such as these ensure our youth will be supported in achieving their best possible academic performance and set them up to succeed in further education. This is supported by a $10 million commitment over four years to the creation of a virtual TasTAFE campus, allowing students in regional areas such as the north-west to have greater access to study without leaving their communities.

One notable commitment in the 2021-22 Budget that I would like to draw attention to is the allocation of $6 million over four years towards assisting and supporting students impacted by trauma and to help with behavioural changes. As a teacher, I undertook additional study in emotional disturbances and behavioural disorders at the University of Newcastle. That postgraduate work has actually helped me in this place.

This eventually led to me to be heavily involved with the Barrington District Support Team and as a senior education officer within the statewide behaviour management team. The provision of $2 million towards the rollout over two years of a new professional development program in trauma for school leaders, teachers and teacher assistants is a considerable step forward in supporting our most vulnerable youth.

Indeed, the Trauma Awareness Network Australia (TANA) is a grassroots, north-west coast-registered charitable organisation which is aiming to increase the awareness of complex trauma and its potentially devastating consequences for many individuals and community members.

TANA has the capacity to create real change and promote awareness and a better understanding of those impacted by trauma. One only has to look closely at the many individuals within our prison system who have been greatly impacted by trauma. On many occasions it can be unknown and intergenerational. Acquired brain injury and fetal alcohol syndrome are just two examples which indeed make life for some so challenging.

I hope that groups like TANA are given the opportunity and support needed to be able to provide authentic experiences and training for many Tasmanians.

The focus of the rollout of this program will prioritise remote and regional schools such as those in the north-west by providing staff with the necessary skills and understanding of complex trauma and behaviour management.

We will be creating an environment where students feel safe and supported to learn. There are light-bulb moments when people realise the situation they are in, and have that awareness that some of the challenges they are facing are beyond their control.

Again, I turn to the issue of climate change and its impacts. I received the following comments from a doctor, along the lines that, 'one thing is certain. Taking decisive action on climate change is far less scary to the kiddies than not acting or only taking half-hearted action on climate change'.

Climate change is causing psychological trauma amongst not just our children, but all cohorts of society. Taking action on climate change is the best way to negate the psychological distress rather than sweeping it under the carpet.

As always, it is fantastic to see our local sporting and community organisations being supported in this Budget, especially during this Olympic period both for our Olympians and our Paralympians. North-west cricket, soccer, gymnastics, golf and football clubs have all been supported in development or upgrade of their facilities, so they can continue to offer sporting opportunities to local residents. In this COVID-19 time I believe our sporting groups and our community clubs have played a more vital role in supporting people with social outlets as well.

Continuing my theme on the importance of climate change, it is interesting to note even our sporting heroes are calling on significant action - the Cool Down campaign launched only a few days ago, bringing together over 300 current and former athletes who are encouraging our leaders to take bold action before the Australian way of life is jeopardised. The campaign highlights the connection between extreme weather events and sports. Former Wallaby, David Pocock, said:

The people and places we love, as well as the sports we love so much are threatened by climate change…We have the resources in our own backyard to be a world leader in this field and, as a sporting nation, we’re used to performing on the world stage. It's time we harness that to focus on strong climate action.

Other highlights for me included: funding toward the extension of the Devonport Men's Shed, providing a valuable opportunity for men in Devonport and surrounds to connect and give back to their communities; funding toward a new all-abilities playground, The Fairy Godmothers, will ensure we have inclusive playgrounds available for families; and three new soup vans for St Vincent de Paul in the north-west and the north.

The development of Tasmania's first Food Security Strategy over the next four years is also an invaluable commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in our community, particularly, through the provision of emergency food relief.

I am also pleased to see the Government pledge $5 million over the forward Estimates for cultural and creative industry assistance to support local Tasmanian artists. Our artists, musicians and creatives have been among those hardest hit by the pandemic and have only had access to minimal support from the state and federal governments. The $5 million is a good beginning, but we will see the arts industry requiring significantly more assistance to recover in the coming years.

In terms of the safety of the community, I am glad to see an additional $25 million over two years to support the development of a contemporary court complex for the north west region. Whilst the complex is to be developed in Burnie and there are some issues there, many practitioners in the Mersey region will be using its facilities. This new complex will be complemented by the $8.8 million being injected into the legal assistance sector over four years.
There will also be an additional $320 000 over four years allowing for children and youth in the north west to access legal representation after hours. Research has shown the younger a child is when they first encounter the justice system, the more likely they are to reoffend later in life. Consequently, access to free or low cost legal services are essential for not only a fair and equitable justice system but to protect our young people.

On the topic of our justice system, I am pleased to see $1 million over two years toward increasing therapeutic employees within our prison system, in addition to programs to reduce recidivism. I have mentioned on a number of occasions the importance of addressing the causes of offending in Tasmania. The additional $4 million to the Tasmania Prison Service each year over the next four years to address the increasing prison populations serves as a temporary solution to a much larger societal problem. I go back to the member for Murchison's comment that it is simply doing the same thing over and over again.

Ms Forrest - It is why I have a bruise on my forehead.

Mr GAFFNEY - Yes, and it is all your fault.

Tasmania has one of the highest recidivism rates in Australia. Instead of consistently spending money on prison capacities, we should be focusing on lowering offending through increased funding for education and community engagement programs. The $1 million toward increasing access to therapeutic justice for those in our prisons is only the first step of many in keeping our communities safe.

Mr Valentine - It is when they come out that it matters also.

Mr GAFFNEY - Exactly.

Tourism is another area that has largely benefited from this Budget. I am pleased to see local tourist destinations of the north-west coast, such as the Don River Railway, being provided significant funding to progress their expansion and just below $50 000 to renovate the associated railway buildings, although a long-term development is expecting to see $240 million committed to the development of the Port of Devonport.

For many tourists coming to Tasmania, Devonport is their first introduction to the unique experience and culture we have to offer here in Tasmania. Such a massive development will benefit Devonport and surrounds and the whole of Tasmania as it acts as a gateway for the tourism industry through the Spirit of Tasmania. I attended the recent tourism conference in Launceston, which was a very exciting event. With the move to the Spirit's docking in Geelong, only a much larger area of land, means the current docking area in Devonport will move further down the river to access a larger tract of land to cater for the extra freight and vehicles on boats with larger carrying capacity. When I saw the designs of the Geelong docking area compared to what is there at the moment it is going to be money well worth spent, so I commend the Government on that initiative.

The Port of Devonport development is complemented by planned upgrades to our roads and infrastructure ensuring tourists are able to easily and safely access all that the north-west has to offer. These projects will include a $25 million upgrade to the road from Devonport leading to Cradle Mountain and similarly, $10 million towards upgrading the Stanley Highway to be able to accommodate for increased traffic flow each over the next four years respectively.

These projects are three to four years away from being significantly progressed. There is only $500 000 anticipated to be spent on each project respectively by June 2025. The latest assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found human activities were unequivocally heating the planet. Greenhouse gas emissions were already affecting weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe helping cause increased heat waves, heavier rainfall events, more intense droughts and devastating cyclones.

I can remember vividly the devastating floods experienced in my hometown of Latrobe just over five years ago with the tragic loss of human life, devastating impact on livestock, livelihoods and property and my wife ringing up in tears because the water was coming up to the back step and she thought the dogs were going to drown. I told her about dog paddle.

It was pleasing to see all levels of government working together - local, state and federal - to ensure the flood mitigation strategies and infrastructure will minimise further impacts of flooding. However, I must congratulate the Government on their commitment to creating Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania by October of this year. A focus on Tasmania's unique position to supply renewable energy as a welcome addition to the budget. However, some might say this announcement is perhaps to be taken with a grain of salt in light of the Governments continued commitment to the subsidisation of and grants towards explorative drilling and mining in the sector of exploration. There is a fine line to tread between providing appropriate funding to increase and assist with exploratory licences and balancing the protection of our incredibly unique and pristine natural environment.

Housing and employment. Of all sectors considered within the 2021-22 Budget, public housing again appears to have drawn the short straw. I commend the Government on their aim to reduce the average waiting time to access public housing from 68 weeks to 41.5 weeks through distribution of $315 million into social and affordable housing and homelessness. The public waiting is anticipated to grow well beyond 5000 applications.

I am going to read in a letter I just received regarding the situation. I was waiting for the person to get back to me to see whether I could use her name so I will not:

I was shocked to see that the latest state Budget seemed designed to increase the divide between those fortunate to own investment properties and those living with housing insecurity, if not actual homelessness. Let us not forget this group includes children, young adults and older women. On the one hand, the Government's plan for creating new affordable housing does not match up numerically with the numbers of people on the waiting list and that number will only increase as there are no measures in place to stop it increasing.

The sight of homeless people in the streets of central Hobart is relatively new. I do not recall seeing this 10 years ago. On the other hand, there is the Government's handout of $100 000 to the new Tasmanian Residential Rental Property Owner's Association. Why do these people need a hand out? They surely are a group that wishes to further their own interest which in some cases would be directly against the interest of their tenants. Who is the Government governing for? We know that having a secure place to live is the foundation for so much of what we take for granted, including physical and mental health and holding or looking for paid work and self-esteem. How can the Government justify its priorities?

Yours Faithfully.

Mrs Hiscutt - If the member is inclined to adjourn that would be fine, if you are nearly finished please feel free to go ahead.

Mr GAFFNEY - Homeless and housing-insecure Tasmanians have been a group on the periphery of many budgets now as the CEO of the Tasmanian Council of Social Service has pointed out, and we need to measure progress against metrics that actually matter. Metrics that measure the wellbeing of our greatest asset, our people. I hope in future years as Tasmania recovers from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will see those most vulnerable in our community offered more support. It is only then that we will be able to truly say our metrics of success are accurate.

For older Tasmanians based in the north and north-west, I am pleased to see a $6 million contribution over the next two years towards two new accommodation facilities to ensure that our older population does not suffer from housing insecurity. On the opposite end of the spectrum, $15.3 million support over the next three years towards new youth housing and homelessness initiatives will be another step forward to helping our young people have the housing security that is so essential for their development. Our children and young people need more support than ever before which is why I applaud the Government's $100 million allocation to the first long-term Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy in Tasmania. Programs such as the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy are supported perfectly by youth employment initiatives around the state.
One such initiative of particular reference to the Mersey region is the new Fit for Work Program, run by Youth, Family and Community Connections in Devonport. The program will work to identify young jobseekers in the Mersey region who require additional support to enter the workforce. This initiative and others like it will be integral in the upskilling of our young people to enter a job market in the uncertain times ahead.

In conclusion, the 2021-22 state Budget on the face of it appears to be a confident one. However, a number of members have highlighted certain concerns and anomalies within the Budget and the Government needs to address those concerns. While allocations to certain sectors leaves something to be desired, largely the Budget has offered a sense of stability to the public as we begin to emerge into our economic recovery. Now it is just a matter of waiting to see if these commitments become a reality.

Mr President, I note the 2021-22 Budget and I move that the debate stands adjourned.