Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and Will Hodgman talk Tasmania's economy

Prime Minister Tony Abbott went on a tour to Tasmania on Friday to have a conversation based on the local economy of the region. He took a quick view of the lettuce farm of Houston in Cambridge on the east of Hobart.

Treasurer Joe Hockey and Premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman joined him before they all proceeded to the Economic Council of Tasmania in Sorrell. At Cambridge, Mr Abbott clearly stated that a commitment of AU$16 million has been made to the Hobart factory of Cadbury, which will soon be delivered elsewhere. “I’ll have more to say about that shortly,” he said.

The PM further said that he is more likely to focus on the Tasmanian economy. He added that there is around an investment of AU$800 million by the Government of Tasmania. Treasurer Hockey, on the other hand, praised the slow and steady growth of the economy of the region. According to the earlier reports, the prior visits to Tasmania focused on Abbott’s emphasis on local onions and chocolate milk sampling.

“I’ve been warned not to eat any of them because I eat too much on camera I’m told,” he joked looking at the fresh spinach and lettuces.

The deterioration in the Commonwealth funding has always remained a reason of frustration for Hodgman. However on Friday, his tone was even more appeasing. He said that the percentage of revenue should be increased by the Commonwealth prior to releasing the funds to Tasmania. Finally, he appeared to challenge the rate of distribution of Goods and Services Tax or any enhancement to the hospitals or schools funding.

The premier estimated the cuts amount to be AU$2.1 billion for past 10 years and described the verdict as “unilateral” and “extremely disappointing.”

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