Mr Shorten told the audience at Launceston only state Opposition Leader Rebecca White would stand up for the Apple Isle's working class.

He lashed out at Liberal Premier Will Hodgman and the federal government for "years" of cuts and leaving Tasmania's hospitals under-funded and under pressure.

"They are the most anti-Tasmanian government that we've seen in Canberra," he said.

"We need to be very clear about this, Will Hodgman is not the fall guy.

"He is a willing and enthusiastic accomplice to the economic and social vandalism of the Turnbull-Liberal government."

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Shorten announced a federal Labor government would spend $30 million to halve the elective surgery waiting list in Tasmania.

He said 6000 people are waiting for critical surgery, with one-in-10 waiting almost a year.

"We need someone in Tasmania who will stand up, defend your jobs, protect your schools," he said of Ms White.

"She has the courage to take on vested interests and powerful lobbies."

Australian Associated Press