Aussie state unveils 2024 budget with record cost-of-living relief for seniors and vulnerable residents

The 2024 budget for an Aussie state has been unveiled, and it's set to bring a sigh of relief to many, especially our seniors, who often feel the pinch of rising costs more acutely.

The Premier has assured that this budget will deliver unprecedented support to alleviate financial pressures.

This announcement comes as many residents continue to grapple with the challenges of day-to-day expenses.


Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced that Tasmania's 2024 state budget will offer unprecedented cost-of-living relief and provide crucial support for the state's most vulnerable residents.

The budget, released yesterday, September 12, included a substantial $460 million earmarked for concessions.

These concessions are likely to cover a range of expenses, from utility bills to transport costs, helping to make everyday life more affordable for seniors and low-income families.


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Premier Jeremy Rockliff's 2024 Tasmania state budget offered record cost-of-living support and targeted aid for the state's most vulnerable citizens. Credit: Shutterstock


In addition to this, the budget allocated $110 million to bolster mental health services. This funding is a recognition of the growing need for mental health support, particularly among the elderly, who may be dealing with isolation, loss, or the challenges of aging.

With this investment, the government aims to ensure that mental health care is accessible and effective for those who need it most.


Housing support has also been a critical issue, with many seniors concerned about housing security and affordability.

The budget addressed this with a $20 million investment in housing support, which could help provide more options for seniors looking to downsize or find age-appropriate living arrangements.

The government is also investing heavily in health services and infrastructure, with an additional $469 million allocated.

This funding is expected to improve hospital facilities, reduce waiting times for medical procedures, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services available to Tasmanians.


Education is another pillar of the budget, with $242 million set aside for education and facilities.

This investment is not only about improving schools for current students but also about creating lifelong learning opportunities for seniors who wish to expand their knowledge and skills.

Community service organisations, which play a vital role in supporting the elderly and disadvantaged, will receive a boost of $105 million.

This funding could enhance the services these organisations provide, such as meal delivery, social activities, and in-home support.

Furthermore, the budget included $59 million for police and emergency services, ensuring that Tasmanians can feel safe and secure in their communities.


‘That’s what you’ll see in the budget. A very good record to build on our existing very good record when we picked up a train wreck in 2014 and rebuilt an economy,’ Premier Rockliff stated.

‘Within rebuilding an economy, we rebuilt a forest industry that didn’t close down and send thousands of workers, 4,000 workers, to the scrap heap.’

Labor has condemned the government's strategy, accusing it of ‘putting the state’s future on the credit card’ by raising debt from $3.5 billion in 2023-24 to $8.5 billion by 2027-28.

Leader Dean Winter stated that the government has ‘completely lost control’.

In contrast, Premier Rockliff argued that reducing essential services during the current cost-of-living crisis is unwise and challenged the opposition to present an alternative budget.


As Tasmania unveils its ambitious state budget to tackle the rising cost of living, it's not the only state taking significant steps to support its residents.

Similarly, Western Australia has recently introduced its 2024-2025 budget, focusing on providing relief to its citizens amid financial pressures.

This parallel approach by two state governments highlights a broader commitment across Australia to address the economic challenges faced by many households.
Key Takeaways

  • Tasmania's 2024 state budget, presented by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, included record cost-of-living support and targeted aid for the state's most vulnerable citizens.
  • The budget comprised significant financial allocations: $460 million for concessions, $110 million for mental health, and $20 million for housing, among other sectors like health, education, and emergency services.
  • Opposition party Labor criticised the state government for excessive borrowing, with projected debt rising to $8.5 billion by 2027-28.
  • Despite the criticism, Premier Rockliff defended the budget, stating that now is not the time to reduce spending on essential services during a cost-of-living crisis and challenged the opposition to propose an alternative budget plan.
How do you feel about the measures announced? Are there specific areas you believe need more attention? And what are your concerns regarding the state's financial future? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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Not specifically about this article, but could you please name the relevant State in your headline? I open various articles only to find they have no relevance to me, because, for example, I don't live in Tasmania, I live in Queensland, so why would I need to read this? Just a suggestion!
 

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