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AAP
AAP
Politics
Hannah Ryan

Tassie govt promises more housing support

Tasmania's premier Peter Gutwein says Labor has made election pledges worth nearly $2 billion. (AAP)

Tasmania's main political parties have released major policies two weeks out from the May 1 poll, with the government focusing on building new homes and the opposition on supporting tourism.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Saturday announced a financial boost for those looking to buy their first home.

The First Home Owners Grant, which applies to new builds, would jump to $30,000 from $20,000 if the government is re-elected, he said.

It would also match the federal government's latest extension of the HomeBuilder scheme with its own.

Meanwhile, Labor leader Rebecca White has unveiled a plan to boost tourism and hospitality in the island state.

She's pledged $40 million to upgrade infrastructure at tourist attractions and $18 million for Tourism Tasmania's marketing campaigns.

She also wants free car travel to continue on the Spirit of Tasmania beyond June 30.

The Liberals, seeking a third consecutive term, called the May 1 snap poll last month after being plunged into minority when Speaker Sue Hickey quit the party to run as an independent.

Mr Gutwein hit out at Labor on Saturday for big-spending promises that haven't been costed by Treasury.

Neither Labor nor The Greens have had election policies costed by Tasmania's Treasury, while Mr Gutwein's Liberals have had eight policies costed.

"The Tasmanian government's budget is not a magic pudding," Mr Gutwein said in a statement, accusing Labor of promising nearly $2 billion in spending during the election.

The government also promised on Saturday to extend its school lunch pilot to 30 schools and establish a food security strategy.

It will invest $11.7 million in Tasmania's forestry industries and elsewhere, is vowing to protect bushfire-prone areas by managing risk including by reducing fuel loads.

A recently released Treasury pre-election financial outlook found Tasmania was recovering quicker than expected from the pandemic hit.

It estimated gross state product of 1.5 per cent in 2020/21, up from minus 1.5 per cent predicted in the budget.

However it showed infrastructure investment this financial year is likely to be down from $1.07 billion to $694 million.

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