The Treasurer, Michael Aird, today unveiled a landmark budget that provides Tasmanians with opportunities for the future.

Mr Aird said this year, for the first time, the annual Tasmanian Budget tops over $4 billion.

"We are putting ideas into action, for today and tomorrow," Mr Aird said.

"The 2008-09 Budget includes $1.5 billion for health and human services, and more than $1 billion for education.

"On top of that the 2008 Budget also includes $1.5 billion to renew and build infrastructure in Tasmania.

"It continues the Government’s record of providing tax relief.

"It extends concessions to Health Care Card holders which will be worth up to $470 a year and 46,000 Tasmanians stand to benefit."

Mr Aird said the 2008-09 Budget built on the State’s strong financial management the Government has established over the past 10 years.

"This is a budget for Tasmania created by a government that believes in offering opportunities for everyone so they can fulfil their potential.

"Since Labor came to office a world of new opportunities has been provided to 37,400 Tasmanians who now have jobs.

"Tasmania today is a vibrant place of ideas and opportunities. This budget will support Tasmanian families.

"It will continue the hard work that has turned the Tasmanian economy into one of the most competitive and fastest growing in Australia.

"The 2008 Budget reinforces our Triple A credit rating.

"It will drive jobs growth, improve literacy levels, support those most in need with better community services and housing.

"It also will meet the challenges of climate change, urban renewal and demographic change.

"We are a Government that is prepared to listen to new ideas and to challenge the status quo.

"That is why we are taking action today to provide opportunities for current and future generations by continuing to build our infrastructure."

Mr Aird said the major highlights of the 2008-09 State Budget included:

1)     $34.8 million to improve literacy and numeracy levels of Tasmania children and adults.
2)     $80 million to implement major reforms in Family Services; Disability Services; Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Services; out-of-home-care services; and to implement the Government’s Clinical and Primary Health Services Plans.
3)     $99 million to support public housing.
4)     $11.2 million to promote social inclusion in our communities.
5)     $14 million to extend concessions for those most in need.
6)     $2.8 million for Neighbourhood Houses.
7)     $1 million contribution to the Tasmanian Education Foundation.
8)     $11.3 million to establish five new Learning and Information Network   Centres (LINCs) to integrate community learning, libraries and technology access with other government services.
9)     $5.7 million to promote climate change programs.
10)    $12 million to drive urban renewal and protect our built heritage.
11)    $4 million for tracks, trails and city bikeways.
12)    $12 million to save the Tasmanian Devil.
13)    $10 million for the Environment Protection Authority.
14)    $3.1 million for environmentally friendly traffic lights.
15)    $1 million to appoint a Tasmanian Chief Scientist.
16)    $1 million to appoint a Tasmanian State Architect.
17)    $135.3 million for Tasmanian schools.
18)    $492.8 million for hospitals and other vital health facilities.
19)    $80 million to drought proof Tasmania.
20)    $626.8 million to improve our roads and transport system.
21)    $18.9 million for better police stations.
22)    $65 million in additional tax cuts.
23)    $10 million to increase workforce participation.
24)    $7.2 million to improve job skills and create new training positions.
25)    $8 million for the Tasmanian Brand Project.

 For a more detailed overview of the Budget, click here.