Political Chronicles - Tasmania January to June 2011

2011 has been unusually tumultuous for Tasmania. The delicate minority government survived the change in the Labor leadership but the new premier has faced considerable scrutiny, particularly on economic matters. The forestry industry reform agenda is contributing to a perception of declining economic prospects for which recent rescue packages have apparently been inadequate. The state is also facing skill shortages and while the unemployment level is not increasing, arguably this is more to do with a decline in the size of the labour force than economic health. When coupled with reduced GST payments arising from less consumer spending, state cabinet is facing some unenviable choices.