Wilkie unhappy about Tas budget

Hobart-based federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie has slammed the Tasmanian Liberal government's 2016/17 budget, saying its "misguided pursuit of surplus" is disappointing.

The $5.5 billion economic plan was unveiled on Thursday showing a $77.3 million surplus for the coming financial year, but Mr Wilkie said getting back to black should not come at the expense of essential public services.

"The Government might like to crow about how it has reached a surplus years early, but surely the public would like to see properly resourced schools and hospitals instead," he said.