Media Release: Horror Budget Shows Mature Revenue Debate Needed

May 27, 2026

Horror Budget Shows Mature Revenue Debate Needed

27 May 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC today used her 2026-27 Budget Reply speech to call for an urgent review of the State’s revenue and taxation base to drive real structural reform in a cohesive, consulted and informed manner.

“For many Tasmanians, Treasurer Abetz has delivered more Budget Despair than Budget Repair, and it is only set to get worse,” Ms Webb said.

“The community is being made to pay for consecutive Liberal Governments piling on the State’s debt, indulging in years of gross pork-barreling and gambling on the exorbitant AFL-demanded stadium.

“The State is also paying for the Government’s blind and ideological refusal to review our revenue stream as part of the budget mix, in a consultative and mature manner.

“It’s a nonsense to argue for so-called ‘right sized’ public sector in the absence of any analysis or consultation on a ‘right-sized’ revenue base.

“Yet despite refusing to engage in a mature, community-led discussion regarding whether we have the right revenue mix moving forward, the government is happy to quietly increase fees and charges it imposes on the community, reap the benefit from insurance duties from Tasmanians battling extreme weather events and slug $3 million per year to access Service Tasmania.”

Ms Webb said it was inevitable the Government will move to raise revenue in future budgets.

“Cutting services to the community will not avoid the fiscal cliff looming ahead. It is critical that we not only discuss whether to raise revenue, but also how, when and to what extent.

“It is beyond time for an independent expert led review of Tasmania financial framework to drive real structural reform that ensures all appropriate levers are being pulled, and any revenue measures are progressive, targeted, and are consulted with the community.

“To be clear, I am not calling for new taxes per se. Instead, I am calling for an independent examination of our current taxation and budget framework to assess whether it is fit for purpose given the current financial pressures and uncertain future.

“Real budget reform involves mature leadership, and a thorough transparent examination of our entire financial framework rather than the current blinkered and myopic approach to future-proof Tasmania.”

Ms Webb’s Budget Reply speech also raised concerns over:

  • Stalled commitment to deliver Treaty and Truth-Telling
  • Impacts of public sector cuts on an effective state service, and the services many Tasmanians rely upon.
  • Cuts to the community service sector which will impact and risk harm to Tasmanians seeking housing, crisis accommodation, health, education, and other assistance.
  • Cuts to the Audit Office, and inadequate funding of the state’s integrity entities such as the Integrity Commission, the Ombudsman, TNPM and Custodial Inspector, which risks self-interested government avoiding strong and timely oversight.
  • High debt risk from government mis-management and ongoing costs of the AFL-demanded stadium.