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.
The Economic Benefits of ‘Closing the Gap’ in Tasmania
Australian Society and Politics, Tasmania | 29th October 2021Presentation to a form hosted by Reconciliation Tasmania in Hobart on 29th October 2021, looking at the possible benefits to the broader economy of ‘closing the gap’ between Aboriginal (palawa) and other Tasmanians
The “corrupt bargain” imposed by the Morrison Government
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Recent Media Interview, Tasmania | 28th September 2021Saul talks to Tasmania Talks’ Mike O’Loughlin about Tasmania’s Treasury’s findings regarding the “corrupt bargain” imposed by the Morrison Government regarding the distribution of GST revenue among the states and territories, 28th September 2021
Interview with ABC Radio Hobart’s Leon Compton
News, Recent Media Interview, Tasmania | 20th September 2021Saul talks to ABC Radio Hobart‘s Leon Compton on 20th September 2021 about the economics of a proposed hydrogen industry for Tasmania, the risks around opening Tasmania’s borders, and the possible consequences of the looming default by China’s largest property developer, Evergrande
Tasmania’s 2021-22 State Budget
Economic Policies, Tasmania | 26th August 2021The 2021-22 Tasmanian State Budget is an uncharacteristically big-spending affair, with some $2½ billion in new spending over the next four years funded by ‘windfall gains’ from Tasmania’s share of GST revenue, and buoyant stamp duty collections, together with $500-$600 million more borrowing than had been previously envisaged – although because last year’s deficit was […]
Lifting education key to boosting Tasmanian wages
Education, News, Publications, Tasmania | 2nd August 2021You may find this article by Sean Ford in today’s Examiner and Advocate newspapers of interest … it encapsulates what I’ve been saying on this subject now for 24 years, to no real avail – but, to paraphrase Mitch McConnell speaking (pejoratively) of Elizabeth Warren, “still I persist”. Tasmanias education outcomes need improving to boost […]
The CommSec “State of the States” Report – Tasmania
News, Publications, Recent Media Interview, Tasmania | 29th July 2021Saul discusses the latest CommSec ‘State of the States’ Report with Tasmania Talks’ Mike O’Loughlin on 28th July 2021.
The cost of appeasing Western Australia
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Tasmania | 20th June 2021For the next six years, Federal taxpayers – and after that, taxpayers in Australia’s eastern states and territories – will be paying a very high price in order to appease Western Australia’s desire to hang on to as much as they possibly can of the windfall gains it’s reaping from the huge prices being paid […]