Peter Dutton And Coalition Backing Tasmania
The Coalition has today released our plan to get Tasmania back on track with low inflation, cheaper energy, affordable housing, safer communities and better healthcare.
An elected Dutton Coalition Government is committing $80 million to duplicate the Bass Highway in Tasmania between Launceston and Deloraine, in partnership with the Tasmanian State Government.
Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said this will improve the road network and support economic growth in Tasmania’s Northwest coast region.
“We need a federal government in Canberra which understands Tasmania, backs Tasmania, and makes decisions which are in the best interests of Tasmania. And that’s exactly what Tasmanians will get under a Dutton Coalition Government.”
“The Bass Highway is a key freight link in Tasmania’s Northwest which provides a critical connection to ports, industries and the community.
“The Albanese Labor Government cancelled, cut and delayed more than $30 billion worth of infrastructure projects over the past three years, including cutting $80 million in funding from the Bass Highway which was budgeted by the former Coalition Government.
“We will restore that funding in order to deliver a continuous, high quality duplicated highway through to Deloraine, and get the Bass Highway upgrade back on track.
“This announcement gives effect to our policy to restore 80 per cent Commonwealth funding for nationally significant road projects, which will unlock more investment in regional projects across the country.”
Liberal Candidate for Lyons, Susie Bower said this project is an important step to providing the necessary safety, growth and connectivity for the community.
“The Tasmanian State Government has a 10-year Bass Highway Corridor strategy to duplicate the Bass Highway from Launceston to Devonport. Being able to secure the funding to upgrade around 50 kilometres of this plan is just fantastic.
“The project will duplicate the Bass Highway in Tasmania to a consistent, four lane dual highway between Launceston and Deloraine, including intersection upgrades and additional vehicle rest areas and overtaking lanes.”
The Coalition will also commit $40 million to establish a new program to foster expanded timber manufacturing in Australia. Our plan to back Australian Fisheries and Forestry will see Tasmania grow and harvest more trees as part of a new national push to create more regional jobs.
Peter Dutton and the Coalition will back Tasmanian farmers, our fisheries, our timber and forestry sector, our tourism operators and local families. We recognise the importance of these sectors in driving Tasmania forward.
A vote for Labor is a vote for a minority government with the mainland Australian Greens intent on destroying our fisheries, forestry and mining sectors.
Tasmania has been badly let down by the Albanese Labor Government. There is a better way. Investing in crucial infrastructure and backing the industries Tasmanians rely on is all part of the Coalition’s plan to get the state and our country back on track.
See the Coalition’s Plan for Tasmania here: https://www.liberal.org.au/policy/our-plan-for-tasmania
https://tas.liberal.org.au/news/2025/04/07/peter-dutton-and-coalition-backing-tasmania