Latest news with #Barnett
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Unions flag walk offs over 'Musk-like' saving measures
Unions could take industrial action against flagged privatisations and "Elon Musk-like" public service cuts contained in a Liberal state budget. Tasmania's government is investigating whether eight government-owned entities, including bus operator Metro and power provider TasNetworks, should be sold. The Liberals, who inherited no debt when they came to power in 2014, will more than double debt to almost $10.8 billion by 2028/29. Interest repayments debt is expected to rise to almost $650 million a year by 2028/29, according to Thursday's budget. The government wants to cut 2500 state service jobs by 2033 and has set up an "efficiency unit" to find public sector savings of $150 million a year. "The irony of the government setting up a new team to cut waste is not lost on us," Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said on Friday. "It seems like the government has ripped off Elon Musk and brought it to Tasmania." Mr Musk was in charge of a body tasked with reducing spending as part of US President Donald Trump's government. Ms Munday said cuts of 2500 would have a big impact on services in a state of Tasmania's size. She didn't rule out protest strikes. "We will do whatever is necessary to protect not only members' jobs but defend services provided to the community," she said. Treasurer Guy Barnett says his budget charts a sensible path to surplus, despite no surpluses being contained across four years of forward estimates. "We are very focused on delivering frontline services to Tasmania that need it. We have a 12 per cent increase in health funding," he told reporters. Mr Barnett also spruiked $9.9 billion in education spending and record cost-of-living support. Head of social services body TasCOSS, Adrienne Picone, said the Liberals had lost sight of real issues in pursuit of a $945 million new Hobart stadium. "A new stadium won't help Tasmanians living on low incomes feed their family and get their foot into the housing market," she said. "We're also concerned the level of debt we're taking on to fund infrastructure projects is severely impacting the funding available to deliver essential services. "We are aware of many community services organisations who will be cutting hours, cutting staff, changing services delivery and cutting services completely." Mr Barnett said the government would have more to say in coming months about potential state-owned business sales, following a review by economist Saul Eslake. The government has taken the sale of some businesses, including Bass Strait ferry operator TT-Line, off the table.
The Advertiser
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Liberal debt to double, state companies face sell-off
A state Liberal government will more than double debt while funding a new-build stadium and aim to rely on potential asset sales and a public service "efficiency unit" to find money. Tasmania's Treasurer Guy Barnett delivered the 2025/26 budget on Thursday, his first in the role for his party which has been in power for 11 years. It forecasts net debt more than doubling from $5.3 billion in 2024/25 to $10.8 billion in 2028/29, at a steeper trajectory than predicted in last year's budget. Mr Barnett said the amount of debt was manageable and necessary so the state could invest in economy-boosting infrastructure and increase health and education funding. The budget spells out more than $600 million of funding for a new waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. The venue's estimated cost recently blew out from $775 million to $945 million. The budget doesn't include $300 million in state government borrowings needed to make up a funding gap. The state previously pledged $375 million towards the stadium, while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million. The budget estimates a $1.01 billion deficit in 2025/26 will improve to a $236 million deficit in 2028/29. Mr Barnett claimed his government was on a "sensible path" to deliver a surplus in 2029/30, one year beyond the financial modelling of the budget. Labor opposition MP Josh Willie said it was the worst budget in the state's history. "When the Liberals came to office in 2014, Tasmania had $208 million in the bank," he said. "Now ... Tasmania is staring down the barrel of almost $11 billion worth of net debt." The Liberals also face kickback from unions after revealing more details about potential state-owned business sales. The sale of some businesses has been ruled out but about a dozen remain under assessment, including bus operator Metro Tasmania and power provider TasNetworks. Funds from potential sales haven't been modelled in the budget. Shedding of some of the businesses would have to be green lit by a parliament in which the Liberals have a minority. Several independent MPs on the crossbench gave a scathing assessment of the budget, with one labelling it "alarming". Crown land could also be sold to help the state return to surplus and pay down debt, Mr Barnett said. An efficiency and productivity unit, which has been likened to measures implemented by US President Donald Trump, will review government programs. The unit will find savings of $150 million per year, while there is a freeze on hiring of non-essential public sector workers. The government said it planned to cut 2500 public servant jobs by 2032/33. Public sector wages, including superannuation, are the largest operating expenditure item for the government, making up 46 per cent of total operating expenditure in 2024/25. Global credit ratings agency S&P said Tasmania's AA+ position had shifted from stable to negative, citing weaker financial outcomes and a rising debt burden. As a percentage of gross state product, Tasmania's debt is the fifth worst of Australian states and territories. TASMANIA'S BUDGET 2025/26: * Deficit: $1.01 billion * Revenue: $9.5 billion * Expenditure: $10.5 billion * Net debt: $7.4 billion * GST revenue: $3.8 billion * Unemployment: 3.8 per cent * Five biggest spending areas: health (34 per cent), education (23), public order and safety (nine), general public services (eight) and social protection (seven) A state Liberal government will more than double debt while funding a new-build stadium and aim to rely on potential asset sales and a public service "efficiency unit" to find money. Tasmania's Treasurer Guy Barnett delivered the 2025/26 budget on Thursday, his first in the role for his party which has been in power for 11 years. It forecasts net debt more than doubling from $5.3 billion in 2024/25 to $10.8 billion in 2028/29, at a steeper trajectory than predicted in last year's budget. Mr Barnett said the amount of debt was manageable and necessary so the state could invest in economy-boosting infrastructure and increase health and education funding. The budget spells out more than $600 million of funding for a new waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. The venue's estimated cost recently blew out from $775 million to $945 million. The budget doesn't include $300 million in state government borrowings needed to make up a funding gap. The state previously pledged $375 million towards the stadium, while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million. The budget estimates a $1.01 billion deficit in 2025/26 will improve to a $236 million deficit in 2028/29. Mr Barnett claimed his government was on a "sensible path" to deliver a surplus in 2029/30, one year beyond the financial modelling of the budget. Labor opposition MP Josh Willie said it was the worst budget in the state's history. "When the Liberals came to office in 2014, Tasmania had $208 million in the bank," he said. "Now ... Tasmania is staring down the barrel of almost $11 billion worth of net debt." The Liberals also face kickback from unions after revealing more details about potential state-owned business sales. The sale of some businesses has been ruled out but about a dozen remain under assessment, including bus operator Metro Tasmania and power provider TasNetworks. Funds from potential sales haven't been modelled in the budget. Shedding of some of the businesses would have to be green lit by a parliament in which the Liberals have a minority. Several independent MPs on the crossbench gave a scathing assessment of the budget, with one labelling it "alarming". Crown land could also be sold to help the state return to surplus and pay down debt, Mr Barnett said. An efficiency and productivity unit, which has been likened to measures implemented by US President Donald Trump, will review government programs. The unit will find savings of $150 million per year, while there is a freeze on hiring of non-essential public sector workers. The government said it planned to cut 2500 public servant jobs by 2032/33. Public sector wages, including superannuation, are the largest operating expenditure item for the government, making up 46 per cent of total operating expenditure in 2024/25. Global credit ratings agency S&P said Tasmania's AA+ position had shifted from stable to negative, citing weaker financial outcomes and a rising debt burden. As a percentage of gross state product, Tasmania's debt is the fifth worst of Australian states and territories. TASMANIA'S BUDGET 2025/26: * Deficit: $1.01 billion * Revenue: $9.5 billion * Expenditure: $10.5 billion * Net debt: $7.4 billion * GST revenue: $3.8 billion * Unemployment: 3.8 per cent * Five biggest spending areas: health (34 per cent), education (23), public order and safety (nine), general public services (eight) and social protection (seven) A state Liberal government will more than double debt while funding a new-build stadium and aim to rely on potential asset sales and a public service "efficiency unit" to find money. Tasmania's Treasurer Guy Barnett delivered the 2025/26 budget on Thursday, his first in the role for his party which has been in power for 11 years. It forecasts net debt more than doubling from $5.3 billion in 2024/25 to $10.8 billion in 2028/29, at a steeper trajectory than predicted in last year's budget. Mr Barnett said the amount of debt was manageable and necessary so the state could invest in economy-boosting infrastructure and increase health and education funding. The budget spells out more than $600 million of funding for a new waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. The venue's estimated cost recently blew out from $775 million to $945 million. The budget doesn't include $300 million in state government borrowings needed to make up a funding gap. The state previously pledged $375 million towards the stadium, while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million. The budget estimates a $1.01 billion deficit in 2025/26 will improve to a $236 million deficit in 2028/29. Mr Barnett claimed his government was on a "sensible path" to deliver a surplus in 2029/30, one year beyond the financial modelling of the budget. Labor opposition MP Josh Willie said it was the worst budget in the state's history. "When the Liberals came to office in 2014, Tasmania had $208 million in the bank," he said. "Now ... Tasmania is staring down the barrel of almost $11 billion worth of net debt." The Liberals also face kickback from unions after revealing more details about potential state-owned business sales. The sale of some businesses has been ruled out but about a dozen remain under assessment, including bus operator Metro Tasmania and power provider TasNetworks. Funds from potential sales haven't been modelled in the budget. Shedding of some of the businesses would have to be green lit by a parliament in which the Liberals have a minority. Several independent MPs on the crossbench gave a scathing assessment of the budget, with one labelling it "alarming". Crown land could also be sold to help the state return to surplus and pay down debt, Mr Barnett said. An efficiency and productivity unit, which has been likened to measures implemented by US President Donald Trump, will review government programs. The unit will find savings of $150 million per year, while there is a freeze on hiring of non-essential public sector workers. The government said it planned to cut 2500 public servant jobs by 2032/33. Public sector wages, including superannuation, are the largest operating expenditure item for the government, making up 46 per cent of total operating expenditure in 2024/25. Global credit ratings agency S&P said Tasmania's AA+ position had shifted from stable to negative, citing weaker financial outcomes and a rising debt burden. As a percentage of gross state product, Tasmania's debt is the fifth worst of Australian states and territories. TASMANIA'S BUDGET 2025/26: * Deficit: $1.01 billion * Revenue: $9.5 billion * Expenditure: $10.5 billion * Net debt: $7.4 billion * GST revenue: $3.8 billion * Unemployment: 3.8 per cent * Five biggest spending areas: health (34 per cent), education (23), public order and safety (nine), general public services (eight) and social protection (seven) A state Liberal government will more than double debt while funding a new-build stadium and aim to rely on potential asset sales and a public service "efficiency unit" to find money. Tasmania's Treasurer Guy Barnett delivered the 2025/26 budget on Thursday, his first in the role for his party which has been in power for 11 years. It forecasts net debt more than doubling from $5.3 billion in 2024/25 to $10.8 billion in 2028/29, at a steeper trajectory than predicted in last year's budget. Mr Barnett said the amount of debt was manageable and necessary so the state could invest in economy-boosting infrastructure and increase health and education funding. The budget spells out more than $600 million of funding for a new waterfront stadium in Hobart, a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. The venue's estimated cost recently blew out from $775 million to $945 million. The budget doesn't include $300 million in state government borrowings needed to make up a funding gap. The state previously pledged $375 million towards the stadium, while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million. The budget estimates a $1.01 billion deficit in 2025/26 will improve to a $236 million deficit in 2028/29. Mr Barnett claimed his government was on a "sensible path" to deliver a surplus in 2029/30, one year beyond the financial modelling of the budget. Labor opposition MP Josh Willie said it was the worst budget in the state's history. "When the Liberals came to office in 2014, Tasmania had $208 million in the bank," he said. "Now ... Tasmania is staring down the barrel of almost $11 billion worth of net debt." The Liberals also face kickback from unions after revealing more details about potential state-owned business sales. The sale of some businesses has been ruled out but about a dozen remain under assessment, including bus operator Metro Tasmania and power provider TasNetworks. Funds from potential sales haven't been modelled in the budget. Shedding of some of the businesses would have to be green lit by a parliament in which the Liberals have a minority. Several independent MPs on the crossbench gave a scathing assessment of the budget, with one labelling it "alarming". Crown land could also be sold to help the state return to surplus and pay down debt, Mr Barnett said. An efficiency and productivity unit, which has been likened to measures implemented by US President Donald Trump, will review government programs. The unit will find savings of $150 million per year, while there is a freeze on hiring of non-essential public sector workers. The government said it planned to cut 2500 public servant jobs by 2032/33. Public sector wages, including superannuation, are the largest operating expenditure item for the government, making up 46 per cent of total operating expenditure in 2024/25. Global credit ratings agency S&P said Tasmania's AA+ position had shifted from stable to negative, citing weaker financial outcomes and a rising debt burden. As a percentage of gross state product, Tasmania's debt is the fifth worst of Australian states and territories. TASMANIA'S BUDGET 2025/26: * Deficit: $1.01 billion * Revenue: $9.5 billion * Expenditure: $10.5 billion * Net debt: $7.4 billion * GST revenue: $3.8 billion * Unemployment: 3.8 per cent * Five biggest spending areas: health (34 per cent), education (23), public order and safety (nine), general public services (eight) and social protection (seven)
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
New GM to lead luxury hotel into next growth phase
Barnett now Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager. FOUR Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has announced the appointment of Simon Barnett as its new general manager, succeeding the outgoing leadership as the property enters its next phase of growth. Barnett, whose most recent stint was with Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand, brings more than 30 years of global hospitality experience to his new role. With enthusiasm for people, place and purpose, the Australian is poised to usher in a new chapter of luxury hospitality in Kuala Lumpur. A long-time visitor to Malaysia, Barnett described the move as something of a homecoming. 'I've been visiting Kuala Lumpur every year for the past decade,' he said in an exclusive interview with StarMetro. 'There's so much cultural richness here such as art, food and heritage, and I'm excited to share that with our international guests.' Hailing from Melbourne, Barnett's hospitality journey began in the front office of a five-star hotel in Brisbane before he found his niche in sales and marketing. His career has since taken him to top properties around the world. Collaborations with culinary talents in the works for Bar Trigona. Barnett, who joined Four Seasons in 2011, said his path to leadership was shaped by generous mentors and a focus on empowering his teams. Leadership, he said, was about creating a structure that supported the team's success, which is reflected in the guest experience. At Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Barnett's vision revolves around curated experiences that blend global luxury with Malaysian authenticity. He highlighted the importance of standing out, not just among hotels but also in a city brimming with dynamic dining and entertainment options. 'We will continue pushing boundaries through guest chef collaborations, dining promotions, and immersive wellness offerings. 'Bar Trigona continues to shine, and we will build on that with a collaboration with our team from Bangkok and culinary talents,' said Barnett of the hotel's award-winning bar that offers a vibrant nightlife experience with stunning views of the city. The hotel is set to welcome a new executive chef from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Vietnam, in July. Meanwhile, Barnett is expanding the in-house spa's wellness offerings with a local twist. These include herbal teas sourced from within Malaysia, a partnership with a longevity clinic and incorporating traditional Chinese medicine elements such as acupuncture. He also hinted at more cultural initiatives to come, including an artist-in-residence programme. 'It would be lovely to host local and international artists, whether poets, sculptors or painters, and have their stay inspire creations we can share with guests.' Committed to sustainability, Barnett said the hotel also planned to build on the group's 'Four Seasons for Good' framework. This includes eliminating single-use plastics throughout the hotel, reducing food waste and supporting community initiatives such as the Terry Fox Run. A self-professed fan of Malaysian cuisine, Barnett singled out beef rendang as his go-to comfort dish. He confessed that local family-run eateries made him feel most at home. 'The thing that's most comforting for me in Kuala Lumpur is the warmth of family-run restaurants,' he shared. 'The service and the food remind me of home,' he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
VFW offers aid and comfort in wake of Laurel County tornado
LONDON — In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that tore through London and Laurel County, local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have stepped in to provide support, resources, and relief to those impacted by the devastation. A member of the VFW from Corbin, Dustin Barnett, said that he didn't hesitate once the news of the devastation had struck. 'My wife woke me up, and I threw stuff into my vehicle and went straight to Sunshine Hills,' said Barnett. Sunshine Hills was one of the subdivisions directly in the storm's path, where numerous homes were leveled and several lives were tragically lost in its wake. Barnett has been on the ground since day one of the destruction, and has been one of the driving forces that has coordinated efforts to support the community of London and Laurel County in the wake of the EF-4 disaster. From organizing supply drives, clearing debris, and personally helping families in need — his work has not gone unnoticed. A member of the VFW from Grayson County said that the leveling and destruction was unlike anything he had seen before. 'I've been in combat zones that have been cleaner than this,' he described. The Grayson County VFW post has also been one of the many helpful volunteer efforts for the hard-hit areas. They have brought in side-by-sides, supplies, trucks, and many other tools to clear the debris. Barnett also spoke about the tremendous help from the home improvement retail chain Lowes, who has donated fence panels, multiple generators, sand tools, and gloves. Members from multiple VFW posts — including Laurel, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Lincoln, and Whitley counties — are also set up at the London-Corbin Airport to distribute essential supplies to community members. Volunteers set up under the tent have been handing out goods ranging from cleaning items, food, and personal care products — offering a small sense of comfort to those reeling from the destruction. 'It's beyond words to see the outpouring of donations and support that this area has received. We also had James Rundberg from the Department of Texas VFW on hand helping us. Thank you, to all the posts across the state and country that are helping right now with donations and time. It is well appreciated,' B.J. Thomason, State J.V. Commander detailed in a Department of KY VFW post on Facebook. The DAV of London (Disabled American Veterans) were also to be distributing emergency supplies Wednesday and Thursday, May 29) at 300 DAV Lane to provide financial assistance to veterans impacted by the storms. The event is open to all veterans in the community, regardless of DAV membership.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
VFW offers aid and comfort in wake of Laurel County tornado
LONDON — In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that tore through London and Laurel County, local members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have stepped in to provide support, resources, and relief to those impacted by the devastation. A member of the VFW from Corbin, Dustin Barnett, said that he didn't hesitate once the news of the devastation had struck. 'My wife woke me up, and I threw stuff into my vehicle and went straight to Sunshine Hills,' said Barnett. Sunshine Hills was one of the subdivisions directly in the storm's path, where numerous homes were leveled and several lives were tragically lost in its wake. Barnett has been on the ground since day one of the destruction, and has been one of the driving forces that has coordinated efforts to support the community of London and Laurel County in the wake of the EF-4 disaster. From organizing supply drives, clearing debris, and personally helping families in need — his work has not gone unnoticed. A member of the VFW from Grayson County said that the leveling and destruction was unlike anything he had seen before. 'I've been in combat zones that have been cleaner than this,' he described. The Grayson County VFW post has also been one of the many helpful volunteer efforts for the hard-hit areas. They have brought in side-by-sides, supplies, trucks, and many other tools to clear the debris. Barnett also spoke about the tremendous help from the home improvement retail chain Lowes, who has donated fence panels, multiple generators, sand tools, and gloves. Members from multiple VFW posts — including Laurel, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Lincoln, and Whitley counties — are also set up at the London-Corbin Airport to distribute essential supplies to community members. Volunteers set up under the tent have been handing out goods ranging from cleaning items, food, and personal care products — offering a small sense of comfort to those reeling from the destruction. 'It's beyond words to see the outpouring of donations and support that this area has received. We also had James Rundberg from the Department of Texas VFW on hand helping us. Thank you, to all the posts across the state and country that are helping right now with donations and time. It is well appreciated,' B.J. Thomason, State J.V. Commander detailed in a Department of KY VFW post on Facebook. The DAV of London (Disabled American Veterans) were also to be distributing emergency supplies Wednesday and Thursday, May 29) at 300 DAV Lane to provide financial assistance to veterans impacted by the storms. The event is open to all veterans in the community, regardless of DAV membership.
