The Australia Institute has released a new report looking at how key economic criteria can be used to assess the effectiveness of future stimulus measures in Tasmania.

The report has been sent to all Members of the Tasmanian Parliament, some members of the Premier’s recovery taskforce,  industry and community leaders and unions.

“As stimulus money starts to flow, it is important that Tasmanians understand what and why decisions are being made,” said Leanne Minshull, Tasmanian Director of the Australia Institute. 

“If we want Tasmania to have a strong economy post COVID-19, we need to maximise the effectiveness of any recovery project spending in Tasmania. We only have one chance to get this right and we need to invest in projects that will build a better Tasmanian economy for generations to come,” Ms Minshull said.

“Splurging lots of taxpayer money is a lot easier than creating a lot of jobs, and a stringent and transparent criteria to evaluate spending measures would ensure that taxpayers get value in both the short and long term.

“Our research shows that the best way to create jobs in Tasmania now and in the future, is for governments to focus on projects that are labour intensive, rely heavily on local supply chains, and deliver long lasting benefits.

“If the jobs that the State and Federal Governments create in the coming year deliver lasting benefits, rather than being ‘saddled with debt’ Tasmania will be blessed with a healthier and happier community.”

The full report, Tasmanian Design Principles for Fiscal Policy in the Pandemic, by Matt Grudnoff and Leanne Minshull is attached and available here.