Forests package reaction posted separately:Tasmania’s most divisive issue … still?
………………………………………….
………………………………………….
Nick McKim MHA
Saturday, 14 MAY 2005
GREENS RENEW CALL FOR CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEVY
On National Day of Action
The Tasmanian Greens today used a national day of action to renew their call for a Container Deposit Levy (CDL) to address the serious problems in the waste management sector in Tasmania.
Greens Opposition Environment spokesperson Nick McKim MHA said that the majority of recyclables are still going to landfill in Tasmania, which is an unacceptable situation.
“The introduction of CDL would create a revenue stream for local Government, which would fund modernisation of landfill sites and maximise the removal of reusables and recyclables from the waste stream,” Mr McKim said.
“Waste management in Tasmania is massively cross-subsidised by ratepayers, and it is time that consumers and industry sectors took fiscal responsibility for disposing of the waste they generate.”
“We cannot continue to burden future generations with the consequences of today’s life style.”
“The introduction of CDL in Tasmania could assist in the achievement of massive social, environmental and economic benefits.”
“The Tasmanian Government is unfortunately continuing to compromise the health and environment of future Tasmanians by not taking responsibility for satisfactory disposal of waste.”
“There are national and international examples of successful container deposit schemes so there is no excuse for the Lennon government for turning a blind eye and keeping its head buried in the landfill,” Mr McKim said.
………………………………………….
Media Release
PETER GUTWEIN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Education
Saturday May 14, 2005
Wriedt must address rising teacher workloads and administration pressure on public schools
Shadow Education Minister Peter Gutwein has today called on the Minister, Paula Wriedt, to address the concerns of teachers and administrative staff regarding unreasonable workloads which have fallen on their shoulders in the wake of new administration requirements for the Essential Learnings program and the rushed implementation of the recommendations of the Atelier Report.
Mr Gutwein said that 95 per cent of public schools introducing “work to rule” restrictions for administrative staff clearly sends the message to the Minister that a pressure cooker learning environment for schools is simply not acceptable.
“The fact that work to rule is now in place across almost all public schools illustrates to this Minister that she needs to address resource shortfalls for the public education sector before it follows the example of the State’s public health system which has been crippled by mismanagement and under resourcing,” said Mr Gutwein.
“The backlog of work resultant from work to rule action will only compound whilst this Minister fails to resource administrative shortfalls and other needs for additional resources to support the ongoing implementation of the Essential Learnings curriculum.”
The Essential Learnings program alone needs a shortfall of an extra 10 hours administration per week to be resourced.
“It is one thing for this Minister to push these reforms through, but to fail to provide adequate resources to support the changes was always going to lead to a backlog of administration that will continue to build as this Minister fails to act.
The State Liberals listened to parents and teachers about not rushing Atelier reforms, yet now the schools themselves are clearly demonstrating that these reforms are simply compounding the pressure on teachers and administration staff.
“This Minister needs to sit the Treasurer Paul Lennon down to discuss the needs of the public school sector to provide adequate resources prior to the handing down of Thursday’s State Budget to avert further workplace action which will only be to the detriment of our school children’s education.
“Investment in education is an investment in all our futures and the Minister must take decisive action to ensure that the growing backlog of work is dealt with now and not left to a later date after the Lennon Labor Government’s $500 million election warchest has left town,” said Mr Gutwein.
………………………………………..
Tim Morris MHA
Saturday, 14 MAY 2005
TIP APPEAL WILL GO ON
Mangalore Residents Came Out in Force
The Tasmanian Greens today congratulated the 30 Mangalore residents, who came to Hobart for the Directions Hearing at the Resource Management Planning Appeals Tribunal for the proposal by Midall Pty Ltd to build a large rubbish tip at Mangalore, which was held Thursday evening. The Tribunal decided that another Directions Hearing would be held in about two weeks and at that time a date will be set for a full hearing, most likely in September.
Greens Member for Lyons, Tim Morris MHA explained that the significance of last night’s hearing was that the community will now be able to be heard on more topics than first thought possible, including stability concerns with the modified proposal, economic viability, road access, drainage and potential contamination of ground and surface water.
“There was a real concern that the residents of Mangalore would not get the opportunity to fully put forward their concerns about the proposed tip within their community because of the Southern Midlands Council’s move toward a consent agreement with the developer, Midall Pty Ltd, over the road access and operating hours issues,” Mr Morris said.
“Whilst the council’s position is that they believed that their issues would have been resolved by a consent agreement, but now it seems that there will be a chance to examine the material prepared by the council in the tribunal – which is a very noteworthy development.”
“It also seems that residents will now get a chance to explore the resent decision by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment to alter the design of the fill and the adequacy of the modified diversion drainage, following an earlier decision by the tribunal.”
“It is pleasing to see a community making good use of the planning processes that are available to them, especially given that they have had to put up their own money to pursue this matter, Mr Morris said.”
Local resident contact: Russell Williams ph 0406 004 524
……………………………………….
Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Racing
Friday May 13, 2005
Lennon must come clean on status of Betfair talks
Shadow Racing Minister Sue Napier today called on the Premier Paul Lennon to come clean on the status of negotiations to grant Betfair a licence in Tasmania.
Mrs Napier said the State Labor Government was belligerently keeping the Tasmanian racing industry, and community, in the dark about its intentions in relation to the licensing of Betfair.
“The State Labor Government has refused to rule out granting a licence to the betting exchange, and keeps saying it will not do anything that would harm the racing industry.
“The problem for the Lennon Labor Government is that in this case, racing industry heavyweight such as TOTE chief executive Terry Clarke and Tasmanian Racing Club chairman Geoff Harper, among many others, are clearly warning that licensing Betfair will harm the racing industry.
“The State Liberals’ are strongly opposed to the licensing of Betfair in Tasmania, as it does not have the support of the racing industry.
“The national racing industry has warned that any State which breaks ranks by licensing the betting exchange would suffer enormously as they would become a pariah of the national racing industry, and be thrown out of mainland betting pools and Sky television coverage. In Tasmania, this could spell disaster for a proud $60 million industry that employs some 6000 people.
…………………………………………
Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services
Friday May 13, 2005
Llewellyn must take responsibility for
Housing Tasmania syringe incident
Health and Human Services Minister, David Llewellyn, must take responsibility for an incident in which a Kingston family discovered hundreds of used syringes on their Housing Tasmania property, Shadow Health and Human Services Minister, Sue Napier said today.
Mrs Napier said Minister Llewellyn must face up to his Ministerial responsibility and make a full apology to the family who fear their two year old child may have come in contact with the syringes.
“No family living in a Housing Tasmania property should have to put up with the terrifying experience of not knowing whether or not their child has been infected by used syringes not cleaned up by Housing Tasmania before they moved in.
“If the State Labor Government were serious about the safety and welfare of Tasmanian families, it would not allow Housing Tasmanian properties scattered with hundreds of used syringes to be rented out or sold.
“If a private landlord rented out a house riddle with used syringes, they would be loudly criticised by the community, particularly by the State Government.
“What is even more disgraceful is that this family’s neighbour had contacted Housing Tasmania about the syringes in February and nothing was done.
“And the fact that this family had to ring the Department of Health and Human Services, the Ombudsman, the Drug Resource Centre, Housing Tasmania as well as the Royal Hobart Hospital before they could find someone to clean up the syringes shows a system not working properly.
“Minister Llewellyn must be held accountable for this unacceptable situation. He must ensure that all necessary resources are given to Housing Tasmania so that it can investigate this incident and clean up any other properties which may contain dangerous items such as used syringes before they are sold or rented out.
“Minister Llewellyn must also guarantee that he does not cover-up any shortfalls that are discovered in Housing Tasmania’s investigation.
“This incident comes less than three months after it was revealed the Lennon Labor Government had been selling off asbestos-contaminated public housing without telling the buyers.
“It is simply not good enough that Tasmanian families have to be subjected to used syringes, asbestos or any other dangerous item or material when moving into current or former Housing Tasmania properties.
“If Minister Llewellyn is not going to take responsibility for serious and systemic problems within Housing Tasmania, then he should stand down from his Ministry,” Mrs Napier said.
………………………………………………………….
Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services
Friday May 13, 2005
Llewellyn must take responsibility for
Housing Tasmania syringe incident
Health and Human Services Minister, David Llewellyn, must take responsibility for an incident in which a Kingston family discovered hundreds of used syringes on their Housing Tasmania property, Shadow Health and Human Services Minister, Sue Napier said today.
Mrs Napier said Minister Llewellyn must face up to his Ministerial responsibility and make a full apology to the family who fear their two year old child may have come in contact with the syringes.
“No family living in a Housing Tasmania property should have to put up with the terrifying experience of not knowing whether or not their child has been infected by used syringes not cleaned up by Housing Tasmania before they moved in.
“If the State Labor Government were serious about the safety and welfare of Tasmanian families, it would not allow Housing Tasmanian properties scattered with hundreds of used syringes to be rented out or sold.
“If a private landlord rented out a house riddle with used syringes, they would be loudly criticised by the community, particularly by the State Government.
“What is even more disgraceful is that this family’s neighbour had contacted Housing Tasmania about the syringes in February and nothing was done.
“And the fact that this family had to ring the Department of Health and Human Services, the Ombudsman, the Drug Resource Centre, Housing Tasmania as well as the Royal Hobart Hospital before they could find someone to clean up the syringes shows a system not working properly.
“Minister Llewellyn must be held accountable for this unacceptable situation. He must ensure that all necessary resources are given to Housing Tasmania so that it can investigate this incident and clean up any other properties which may contain dangerous items such as used syringes before they are sold or rented out.
“Minister Llewellyn must also guarantee that he does not cover-up any shortfalls that are discovered in Housing Tasmania’s investigation.
“This incident comes less than three months after it was revealed the Lennon Labor Government had been selling off asbestos-contaminated public housing without telling the buyers.
“It is simply not good enough that Tasmanian families have to be subjected to used syringes, asbestos or any other dangerous item or material when moving into current or former Housing Tasmania properties.
“If Minister Llewellyn is not going to take responsibility for serious and systemic problems within Housing Tasmania, then he should stand down from his Ministry,” Mrs Napier said.
……………………………………………………
Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services
Friday May 13, 2005
Social crises must be addressed in next week’s pre-election Budget battlers have been forgotten for too long
The social crisis that has grown in Tasmania while the State Labor Government built up its $500 million election warchest must be addressed in next week’s Budget, Shadow Health Minister Sue Napier said today.
Mrs Napier said she would be dismayed if Paul Lennon’s second Budget was a repeat of his so-called “heart of gold” effort last year, where crises in mental health, disability services, child protection, public hospital waiting lists, dental services and many other areas were callously ignored.
“I should not need to remind the arrogant Paul Lennon that if we see a repeat of the situation last year where areas of huge crisis such as mental health received the pittance of a $1.7 million increase in funding there will be outrage in the community. Last time Labor did that, they were forced into releasing a supplementary package $46 million over four years.
“Part of the reason Labor has been able to accumulate a massive $500 million election warchest is because it has deliberately underfunded areas of need in recent years.
“This has meant that crises in areas such as mental health, disability services, public hospitals, dental health, public housing and child protection have exacerbated dramatically.
“Despite what Premier Paul Lennon likes to call the “New Tasmania” the fact remains that battlers in this State are doing it as tough as ever, if not tougher, because Labor has quite simply neglected their needs.
“Now, it would seem Labor is preparing to attempt to ride in like a white knight in next week’s big spending attempted vote-buying State budget using funding that really should have been spent years ago just as we predicted last year.
Mrs Napier said she expected the State Labor Government would cave in to State Liberals and Greens demands for a Commission of Inquiry to be held into child abuse and children and family services in Tasmania, and announce funding for this badly needed investigation next week.
“We will also see the dramatically increased resources that are needed for the Ombudsman and Children’s Commissioner, and I hope, the provision of resources for a dedicated Deputy Ombudsman.
“As I have claimed for several years now, Children and Family Services are chronically under-resourced. There are hundreds of children who have been notified to the department as potentially being at risk, but they have not had any case workers allocated to them. This problem has increased dramatically since the introduction of Safe at Home, the implications of which on many government departments has been grossly underestimated. Resources must be dramatically increased in next week’s State Budget.”
Mrs Napier said the disability services sector estimated at least $10 million was needed in next week’s Budget to address chronic demand and Labor’s appalling underfunding of this sector in years gone by.
Meanwhile, she said the State Government was kidding itself if it thoughts its desperately needed funding packages announced late last year for mental health and the Royal Hobart Hospital were anywhere near enough. In fact, extra staffing for the Royal Hobart has only just plugged the gaping holes, without providing the extra staff needed to address spiralling waiting lists. The mental health funding, meanwhile, is yet to hit the ground.
Mrs Napier said one of the biggest problems in the health sector was that funding was not hitting the ground where it was needed, but instead going into the bureaucracy.
“The Lennon Labor Government must wake up to the need for drastically increased funding in areas of huge social crisis in next week’s Budget and the need for it to ensure that this money does not contribute to a further feathering of the bureaucracy, but hits the ground where it is so desperately needed.
“And we need innovative solutions for the future not just an ad hoc patching up of problems as they arise. This includes concerted measures and better management to address hospital and dental waiting lists, step-down hospital facilities, more group homes and respite and cluster-style supported accommodation, new measures to attract and retain our valuable nursing, medical and allied health professionals, measures to stop the merry-go-round that people with mental illness find themselves in because there is not enough appropriate support for them in the community, and much more.
“There is no doubt that a record level of funding for the health and human services sector is needed. There is no doubt the State Labor Government can afford it, with its $500 million warchest and record GST and state tax receipts.
“And there is no doubt that this need would not be so great if Labor had actually decided to spend some of its windfall gains over the last few years, rather than cynically hoarding it away for a big pre-election attempted vote buying campaign.”
………………………………………
PRESS RELEASE 11-5-05
FEDERAL BUDGET SUPPORTS TRACs CONCERNS ON AIR QUALITY.
The federal treasurer has recognised the severe problem Launceston has with its air pollution by allocating $1 million dollars over 3 years in his 10th budget delivered this week.
The Tamar Residents Action committee (TRAC) says the budget allocation of such a vast sum of money indicates the federal governmentÕs grave concerns for the quality of air in the Tamar airshed.
TRAC coordinator Mr.Les Rochester says the money will go towards reducing pollutants, especially PM 10 particulates, caused from Launceston’s winter woodsmoke problems.
“It is evident the federal treasurer shares the same concerns as TRAC for the health and well being of people living within the Tamar airshed, especially the people of Launceston.
“It is a direct challenge to Gunns limited to incorporate the latest technology in their proposed pulp mill at Long Reach, which will pour out more than 300 kilograms a day of PM 10’s.
“With the Tamar Airshed already over capacity for PM 10’s in winter, breaching the national regulations on many occasions during this period, Gunns will have to ensure they do not add to this burden,” Mr.Rochester said.
TRAC has called on the proponent to gather its own scientific data over a 12 month period from January this year, to ensure that what they’re going to put into the Tamar Valley airshed, will not impact the community.
“They need to get their own, model it properly, and let it stand up to independent scientific scrutiny.
“If the federal government didn’t think the airshed was a problem, then they wouldn’t be throwing $1 million dollars at it to clean it up,” Mr.Rochester said.
TRAC also noticed in the budget that the Prime Minister’s commitment last October during the election campaign to give Gunns $5 million dollars towards the feasibility study for the proposed mill, will now only be paid if the project is approved.
“This is a shot in the arm for the people of the Tamar region, it is an indication that the Prime Minister has stepped back somewhat in his support for the mill.
“He’s holding onto taxpayers funds, so they will not lose it if this mill finally gets knocked back on environmental grounds, and he should be applauded for it,” Mr.Rochester concluded.
http://www.tamar-trac.com/
………………………………….
Media Release
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Thursday May 12, 2005
Embarrassing effort by David Bartlett
Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley today dismissed the latest pathetic attempt by Labor backbencher David Bartlett to misrepresent his position.
Mr Whiteley said Mr Bartlett was clearly more agitated about Duncan Kerr’s attempt to take his seat off him at the next State election than previously thought, judging by the Labor backbencher’s silly and downright embarrassing media release this afternoon.
“Yesterday, Mr Bartlett failed in his dishonest and despicable attempt to misrepresent comments I made in relation to the Future Fund being established by the Federal Government, with some $16 billion of seed funding, to pay off unfunded superannuation liabilities, and which may also invest in infrastructure.
“His desperation to get his name in the newspaper has now seem him make another ridiculous and equally dishonest claim in a media release.
“I do, however, welcome the fact that Mr Bartlett has unwittingly drawn attention to the State Labor Government’s appalling failures in terms of investing in our crumbling infrastructure.
“The Economic and Social Infrastructure Fund established in the 2003/04 Budget can hardly be described as a fund that solves in our basic infrastructure needs for goodness sake, there will be $115 million of it unspent at the end of this financial year.
“The problem with the ESIF is that it is more about contributing to Labor’s election warchest than it is about fixing infrastructure, as so much of it continually remains unspent.
“Where is the money for our roads, such as the West Tamar Highway, Lyell Highway and a plethora of other dangerous roads all around the State?
“Why is it that many Tasmanian communities can still not access clean drinking water?
“Why is it that some Tasmanian communities have to put up with sewage seeping up into their backyards?
“And what about the many smaller bridges that are in a state of absolute disrepair?
“What about school bus operators, who are driving our children to school in the oldest school bus fleet in the nation?
“Mr Bartlett has got to be joking if he considers that the ESIF has solved all our future infrastructure needs.
“Not only are these needs being neglected at every turn, but the Lennon Labor Government isn’t even spending money in the ESIF. As far as Labor is concerned, the ESIF is nothing but a slush fund, which will be used to top up its election warchest.”
Mr Whiteley said Mr Bartlett would do well to use his pent up frustrations at a looming fight with Duncan Kerr for the seat of Denison to actually do something constructive and lobby his Premier to address the massive sleeping giant just waiting to awake the fact that our basic infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges is crumbling, while the State Labor Government turns a blind eye.”
Finally, Mr Whiteley said: “Who is Tasmania’s Treasurer at the moment? Where is Paul Lennon? Just who is pulling David Bartlett’s strings? Is he Paul Lennon’s junior puppet?”
…………………………..
Media Release
PETER GUTWEIN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Education
Thursday May 12, 2005
Wriedt must address slide in
Tasmanian aboriginal education standards
Education Minister Paula Wriedt should use today’s Indigenous Forum at the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs to gather ideas on how to arrest the slide in education results for Tasmanian aboriginal students said Shadow Education Minister Peter Gutwein.
Mr Gutwein said that since 2001-2002, Minister Wriedt’s own Annual Reports have shown a disturbing downward trend in respect of mathematics and English results for aboriginal students in Tasmanian schools.
“The decline in education standards for aboriginal students in Tasmanian schools is nothing short of disgraceful,” Mr Gutwein said.
The percentage of aboriginal students in Tasmanian schools who have been able to pass the basic English standard has dropped from 72.8% in 2001-02 to 69.5% in 2002-03 and down to 63.4% in 2003-04.
In respect to Mathematics, the percentage of aboriginal students who have been able to pass the basic standard has dropped from 60.0% in 2001-02 down to 55.7% in 2002-03 and declining further to 52.8% in 2003-04.
“Whilst we welcome comments from Minister Wriedt that she and other State Labor Ministers “acknowledge the school results of Indigenous students need to be substantially improved”, she fails to realise that aboriginal education results in Tasmania have fallen dramatically whilst she has been Minister.
“This decline in aboriginal education results has occurred whilst the Lennon Government has lowered its spending priority for education, costing Tasmanian schools, students and teachers over $221 million.
“Minister Wriedt must end her rhetoric on education for aboriginal students and begin some real action so that outcomes for Tasmanian aboriginal students do not further decline,” Mr Gutwein said.
…………………………….
STATE GOVERNMENT FORCED TO CUT STAMP DUTIES ON MORTGAGES AND BUSINESS COSTS
‘How GST windfall payments will abolish $230 million worth State business taxes and still leave $415 million to inject into the State economy’
Thursday, 12 May 2005
Tasmanian businesses will be the big winners with up to $230 million in State tax cuts forced on the State Government by the Howard Government’s GST reforms, Senator Guy Barnett said today.
According to new figures out today, tax cuts forced on the States by the Howard Government will force the Lennon Government to use a third of its Federal GST revenue windfall over the next four years to abolish a range of taxes and still have a balance of $415 million left over.
The State’s Financial Institutions Duty has already been abolished by the GST and the State Government will be forced to abolish Bank Accounts Debits Tax on July 1 this year.
The following State taxes will be abolished on 1 July 2006:
· Stamp duty on non-quotable marketable securities;
· Stamp duty on leases;
· Stamp duty on mortgages, bonds, debentures and other loan securities;
· Stamp duty on credit arrangements, instalment purchase arrangements and rental arrangements; and
· Stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes.
· Stamp duty on business conveyances other than real property will be abolished on 1 July 2007.
“This is a massive range of tax cuts. These taxes were never meant to survive with the introduction of the GST,” Senator Barnett said.
“For these taxes to remain it would amount to the State Government double dipping – getting all the GST revenue, plus up to $230 million revenue from these taxes,” he said.
“With the windfall balance remaining of $415 million the Lennon Government has a range of options to boost spending on vital services. It could use the money to:
· Buy 75 new ambulances, and,
· Build four new high schools, and,
· Wipe the debt on one Spirit ferry, and,
· Build eight new district hospitals, and,
· Build 200 new Housing Tasmania homes.
“Like Kim Beazley the Lennon Government had to be dragged screaming to the barrier on tax cuts.
“The State Government claims it has managed $105 million in tax cuts over the last five years – but the State Government is gaining $644 million in GST windfall payments between 2004-05 and 2008-09.
And, only through the firm actions of the Howard-Costello team is the State Government using around $230 million of this windfall to cut taxes,” Senator Barnett said.
(Reporters – new tables of the GST windfall gains attached. The gains for Tasmania (in yellow) represent the balance of GST windfall remaining after the taxes listed in this release are abolished.)
Estimates of state and territory gains from tax reform(a)
2003-04 ($m) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount 9,735.9 6,834.4 6,049.3 3,001.3 3,047.2 1,325.0 619.3 1,569.3 32,181.5
(2) GST revenue 9,667.1 6,961.0 6,552.8 3,157.9 3,146.4 1,394.5 658.1 1,680.9 33,218.7
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 68.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 68.8
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 0.0 126.6 503.6 156.7 99.3 69.5 38.8 111.6 1,106.0
2004-05 ($m) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount 9,679.6 7,055.1 6,575.9 3,372.3 3,120.5 1,329.4 625.9 1,595.1 33,353.8
(2) GST revenue 9,937.5 7,374.4 7,374.2 3,643.6 3,307.6 1,441.3 683.2 1,743.2 35,505.0
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 257.8 319.4 798.3 271.3 187.0 111.9 57.3 148.1 2,151.1
2005-06 ($m)(c) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount(d) 10,366.3 7,666.0 7,126.3 3,591.8 3,282.5 1,403.4 668.9 1,694.7 35,800.0
(2) GST revenue 10,426.7 7,864.5 7,721.1 3,822.1 3,449.0 1,501.4 722.6 1,832.7 37,340.0
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 60.4 198.5 594.8 230.3 166.5 97.9 53.6 137.9 1,540.0
2006-07 ($m) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount(e) 11,377.6 8,340.2 7,668.3 3,853.7 3,505.2 1,469.8 712.4 1,808.0 38,735.3
(2) GST revenue 11,136.7 8,397.2 7,957.7 3,925.3 3,574.3 1,535.4 756.8 1,916.6 39,200.0
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 240.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 240.9
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 0.0 57.1 289.4 71.5 69.1 65.6 44.4 108.6 705.7
2007-08 ($m) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount(f) 11,977.5 8,660.3 8,092.6 4,097.8 3,656.5 1,519.1 733.7 1,916.5 40,654.0
(2) GST revenue 11,733.5 8,904.8 8,399.7 4,172.9 3,722.0 1,581.4 792.7 2,012.9 41,320.0
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 244.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 244.0
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 0.0 244.5 307.1 75.1 65.5 62.4 59.0 96.4 909.9
2008-09 ($m) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Total
(1) Guaranteed Minimum Amount 12,456.7 8,968.8 8,365.6 4,262.0 3,750.6 1,556.7 751.4 2,006.4 42,118.3
(2) GST revenue 12,378.5 9,452.7 8,789.4 4,422.4 3,869.6 1,633.4 825.8 2,108.1 43,480.0
(3) Budget Balancing Assistance (1) – (2)(b) 78.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 78.2
(4) State and territory gains from tax reform (2) – (1)(b) 0.0 483.9 423.7 160.4 119.0 76.8 74.4 101.7 1,440.0
Figures for 2003-04 are outcomes as GST revenue and Guaranteed Minimum Amounts have been determined for the 2003-04 year. Estimates for 2004-05 and beyond are from Budget Paper No. 3, Federal Financial Relations 200506. Projections from 2004-05 will be affected by variations in Guaranteed Minimum Amount (GMA) components and GST revenue. In addition to these factors, projections from 200607 will be affected by recommendations by the Commonwealth Grants Commission on the distribution of GST to each of the states and territories.
Where the difference between the GMA and GST revenue (and vice versa) is less than zero, the amount is zero.
The transition period in which the Australian Government guarantees that no state or territory will be worse off due to tax reform expires on 30 June 2006. However, if the states agree to the Australian Government’s proposed timetable for the elimination of a range of inefficient state taxes, consistent with the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform of CommonwealthState Financial Relations, the Australian Government will extend the transition period to 30 June 2009.
As agreed at the 26 March 2004 meeting of the Ministerial Council for Commonwealth-State Financial Relations, bank account debits tax is to be abolished by 1 July 2005. The revenue forgone by the states and territories is included in their GMA from 2005-06 to ensure the states and territories are no worse off. Accordingly, state and territory gains from tax reform decrease in 2005-06 compared to 2004-05.
Consistent with the Australian Government’s proposal, GMAs from 2006-07 include estimates of revenue forgone from stamp duties on the following: nonquotable marketable securities; leases; mortgages, bonds, debentures and other loan securities; credit arrangements, instalment purchase arrangements and rental arrangements; and cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes.
Consistent with the Australian Government’s proposal, GMAs from 200708 include estimates of revenue forgone from stamp duty on business conveyances other than real property.
………………………………..
Media Release
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Infrastructure Minister
Thursday May 12, 2005
Labor’s lack of action on school bus fleet a national disgrace
The treatment of Tasmanian school bus operators and the State’s ancient school bus fleet is a national disgrace and next week’s Budget must finally address this situation, Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley said today.
Mr Whiteley said he completely backed the calls of the Tasmanian Bus Association for the Lennon Labor Government to provide measures in next week’s State Budget to increase contracts for school bus drivers, and assist in replacing the bus fleet, which has an average age of 25 years.
“The average age of Tasmania’s school bus fleet is by far the highest in the nation, and I think most Tasmanian parents would be horrified that years of negotiations between the Tasmanian Bus Association and the Lennon Labor Government to resolve this have so far amounted to nothing.
“In Paul Lennon’s new Tasmania, our children travel to school on buses that are bluntly, way too old, and it is only thanks to the efforts of bus operators that safety and accreditation standards are being met.
“I have been closely involved in discussions with the TBA about their concerns, and I completely understand their frustrations at trying to get the State Labor Government to act to address this problem.
“Bus operators have, quite rightly, had enough. Without urgent assistance from the Lennon Labor Government, Tasmania risks seeing a steady stream of school bus operators leaving the industry, and there will be no incentive for anyone else to take over where they leave off.
“For five years now they have been hoping for action from the State Labor Government, but Labor has been all talk and no action.
“The time for talk has finished. Next week’s Budget, tipped to be the biggest spending in Tasmania’s history, and closely followed by a State election, must deliver real funding commitments in terms of fair payment for school bus drivers and to replace the ageing fleet.”
………………………..
Tim Morris MHA
Thursday, 12 MAY 2005
CONCERNS OVER CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER SHORTAGES IN NORTH-WEST UNIT
Are Unauthorised Personnel Being Used to Fill Gap?
The Tasmanian Greens today revealed that unauthorised people have removed children in need of protection from their homes in the north-west under request from an overstretched Child Protection Unit, and that this action is against the law and may create difficulties if the actions come before the courts.
Greens Opposition Health and Human Services spokesperson Tim Morris MHA said that credible sources had told the Greens that foster carers had been asked to remove children into care over a weekend, due to a big shortfall in child protection workers, a position which foster carers should never be placed in – as only around four of over ten positions in the north-west unit are actually occupied by staff who are currently at work.
Mr Morris outlined that this is not best practice for the children, and also put both foster carers and child protection workers in an untenable position, without the proper authorisation or paperwork completed at the time of removal, and having a person not trained for this activity thrown into the deep end.
“The Greens have had concerns raised with them that due to serious staff shortages in the north-west Child Protection Unit, that on at least one occasion over a weekend where a child was identified as in need of removal into protection, there were no departmental authorised Child Protection Officers available so foster parents were sent in to do the removing,” Mr Morris said.
“I am calling on Minister Llewellyn to clarify whether it is the case that people registered as foster carers have been utilised in the removal of children identified as requiring protection, because departmental Child Protection Officers were unavailable due to staff shortages.”
“This is an unacceptable situation, given that in such a scenario the removal may not have been legal if foster carers are not authorised officers, unlike personnel of the Child Protection Unit, which may have serious implications under the Act.”
“We are also concerned that foster carers who are not trained for this particular situation have been thrown in the deep end.”
Mr Morris said that while he was unable to reveal his source, it was necessary to raise the matter publicly due to the seriousness of child protection issues, and it is his understanding that the unions were also contacted with these concerns.
“The critical point here is the unacceptable lack of staffing in such an important area as Child Protection, as apparently many of the positions available in the north-west Unit remain unfilled.”
“The government knows that there is a demand and need for skilled and trained Child Protection workers which is why they created these positions in the first place, so it is utterly negligent for the positions to remain unfilled.”
“Minister Llewellyn must act now and get on with filling all these positions with appropriately trained staff as a matter of urgency.”
“We are warning Mr Llewellyn that we will not be fobbed off with more weasel words about the number of positions, the critical issue is the number of actual working employees filling those positions,” Mr Morris said.
………………………………
Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Employment
Thursday May 12, 2005
Lennon Government must pay
attention to Tasmania’s unemployment
Shadow Employment Minister, Will Hodgman, today warned the Lennon Labor Government over complacency in keeping Tasmania’s unemployment rate low following an increase in the number of unemployed over the past month.
Mr Hodgman said that the April unemployment rate increased, in trend terms, from 6.0% to 6.1% with the number of unemployed increasing by 500 people to 14,300. This is the fourth consecutive month that the unemployment rate has increased or stayed steady.
Tasmania’s unemployment rate is now the highest of any State or Territory and is well above the national unemployment rate of 5.1%.
“The State Liberals remain positive about Tasmania’s future economic hopes, however, this increase in unemployment would suggest that the arrogant Lennon Government needs to do more on employment growth,” Mr Hodgman said.
“The State Liberals believe that the Lennon Government must put in place, in next week’s State Budget, a series of initiatives to create sustained jobs growth including reducing the tax burden on Tasmanian businesses and Tasmanian land owners.
“The Lennon Government must also get serious on the State’s skills shortage crisis by not just providing extra funding, but greater action.
“The State Liberals are also concerned that Tasmania’s participation rate of 59.8%, is now lower than in any other State or Territory and stays significantly lower than the national participation rate of 64.5%.
“This low participation rate has been described by Access Economics as “woeful” in its recent report on the Tasmanian economy,” Mr Hodgman said.
……………………………..
Media Release
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Thursday May 12, 2005
Lennon set to spend $500 million
election warchest in State Budget
Premier Lennon is set to let go the Treasury purse strings and empty a large proportion of his massive $500 million election warchest in an attempt to buy the Labor Party’s re-election, Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley said today.
Mr Whiteley said that Premier Lennon’s election warchest, had been carefully built up since the last election, fueled by massive GST revenue bonanzas and record taxes on Tasmanian landholders and property buyers.
He said the warchest had also been strengthened by the State Labor Government’s failure to spend, over the past four years, on areas of desperate need such as health and roads. It has also been topped up by a recycling of infrastructure funds from Budget to Budget over the past seven years.
“Next week’s State Budget will be one of the biggest spending Budgets in Tasmania’s history thanks to Premier Lennon’s $500 million election warchest,” Mr Whiteley said.
“With an election just around the corner, Premier Lennon will attempt to buy the Labor Party’s re-election by spending like there is no tomorrow.
“There is no doubt that this week’s Federal Budget would have put a smile on Premier Lennon’s dial when it confirmed that he could bank on Federal Government payments of $390 million this year and next year over and above what he had budgeted for.
“Tasmanians are highly cynical of Premier Lennon’s hoarding away of taxpayer funds in his $500 million warchest especially when, at the same time, hospital waiting lists are increasing, there is a crisis at the Royal Hobart Hospital, neglect of the mental health system, crumbling State roads and a fall in literacy and numeracy standards among many other problems affecting our community.
“The people of Tasmania are being treated with great arrogance and contempt by Premier Lennon and his Labor Government. They deserve better,” Mr Whiteley said.
…………………………..
Tim Morris MHA
Thursday, 12 MAY 2005
MINISTER STILL TO ACT ON DISABILITY HOSPITAL BILL
Access to Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Needed Urgently!
The Tasmanian Greens today have urged Minister Llewellyn to intervene in the case of Mr Brendan Triffett, who suffered an acquired brain injury 13 months ago, and to waive all costs of his hospital care at the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he is being housed due to the lack of appropriate disability accommodation available.
Greens Opposition Health and Human Services spokesperson Tim Morris MHA said that it is his understanding that the Health Department’s Board of Exceptional Needs would be meeting tomorrow, Friday the 13th of May, at which Mr Triffett’s case would be an item of discussion.
“Despite Advocacy Tasmania raising publicly this very unfair and inequitable situation earlier this week, Minister Llewellyn has been conspicuously silent, and he must immediately intervene and waive all costs incurred by Mr Triffett due to his being housed at the RHH as a consequence of insufficient disability accommodation,” Mr Morris said.
“David Llewellyn himself has set at least two precedents where people with disabilities forced to live in public hospitals due to no fault of their own but because of insufficient support services able to provide 24 hour care, have had their respective hospital fees waived, and Mr Triffett and his family deserve the same consideration.”
“I would be hopeful that tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Exceptional Needs will also urge the Minister to waiver the hospital fees and recommend that Mr Triffett is provided access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation care as a matter of urgency.”
“It is unacceptable that a Tasmanian with disabilities can be allowed to have his condition deteriorate due to the lack of services and out-of-control waiting lists.”
Mr Triffett is living at the Royal Hobart Hospital whilst waiting for a purpose-built group home to be built, which is apparently not due to be completed until early 2006.
…………………..
Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Health and Human Services
Thursday May 12, 2005
Llewellyn’s dental work
slammed by his own department
Secret Lennon Labor Government documents have revealed that Labor’s Dental Action Plan to improve dental service accessibility in Tasmania is desperately failing, Shadow Minister for Health, Sue Napier said today.
Mrs Napier said that the secret documents, released under Freedom of Information, showed that the Department of Health and Human Services was critical of the Lennon Labor Government in dealing with dental services saying “In terms of adult oral health, Tasmania has the poorest oral health than any other State or Territory”
It also sends a warning to Minister Llewellyn over Tasmania’s dire dental situation:
“The shortfalls in public dental care have not only resulted in public anxiety and concern, but are associated with the poorer health status that Tasmanians experience compared to other States and Territories”.
“Despite the Lennon Labor Government’s rhetoric many Tasmanians cannot get access to basic dental services with the dental waiting list rocketing up from 9,414 Tasmanians to 10,650 in the past year to March,” Mrs Napier said.
“This draft working document of the Oral Health Strategic Framework, headed with the words “not for publication”, shows a dental system in crisis mode with government bureaucrats extremely worried about problems occurring in dental health under Minister Llewellyn’s management.
“The documents confirm that Tasmanian people have the greatest number of missing teeth and highest denture use, yet the lowest ratio of dentists amongst all Australian States and Territories. It states that:
“scoping has revealed that Tasmania has the lowest ratio of dentists of any State and Territory at 26.5 per 100,000 population compared to a national average of 43 per 100,000 population”
“And this shocking ratio of dentists to residents and massive waiting lists, has lead to a massive unmet level of dental services demand:
“only 26% of adults that are eligible for public dental care in Tasmania are actively seeking access to this dental care, of this proportion, only one-third actually receive treatment”
Mrs Napier said that these secret documents demonstrated that the Lennon Government’s $5.3 million Dental Action Plan, announced in Budget 2002/2003, was clearly not working.
“The State Labor Government’s bizarre decision to spend just $1.7 million in the first two years of this four-year plan, and hold on to this warchest for a time closer to the election, has backfired.
“The State Labor Government should have spread these funds evenly over the four year period meaning dental services should have seen confirmed outlays of $2.65 million during 2002/2003 and 2003/2004.
“This means that, at the same time we have seen a drastic lack of dentists in Tasmania and massive increases in waiting lists, dental services have been short-changed by approximately $900,000. It is still unclear what amount of the remaining funds have been spent this financial year and what will be spent next financial year.
“And, distressingly, over this period Minister Llewellyn acted against strong advice from community organisations and ramped up the dental co-payment meaning Tasmanians are now paying more for public dental services.
“The Lennon Government’s appalling record on dental services has been appropriately criticised by its own departmental officers in these secret documents. It must take action to ensure all Tasmanians have access to basic dental services within a reasonable length of time.
“Waiting up to twenty years for basic dental services, as some Tasmanians may have to do under this arrogant State Labor Government, is simply unacceptable,” Mrs Napier said.
……………………….
Media Release
MICHAEL HODGMAN, QC MHA
Shadow Attorney General
Thursday May 12, 2005
Intelligence concerns demand investigation
Shadow Attorney General Michael Hodgman QC today called on Attorney General Judy Jackson to personally review intelligence gathering and monitoring practices in Tasmanian Corrective Services facilities after revelations of a second major communications breakdown this year.
Mr Hodgman said he shared the concerns of the Community and Public Sector Union and prison officers in relation to the contents of the two emails leaked to the Mercury newspaper.
Mr Hodgman said reports that some Justice Department employees were aware of a plan by inmates to take a hostage on the night before last week’s siege were extremely alarming.
The intelligence breakdown follows the escape of two Hayes inmates earlier this year after they were overheard by prison officers plotting their escape.
Mr Hodgman said that in the case of last week’s siege, lives were literally on the line and any breakdown in intelligence procedures had to be personally addressed by the Attorney General as a matter of urgency.
“Prison officers are entitled to a safe workplace, and that means ensuring that all possible threats to their wellbeing are taken seriously.
“The Attorney General should explain what action she has taken to investigate the threats that it is clear from leaked emails some Justice Department staff were aware of, and whether other staff were notified of this possible threat.”
Mr Hodgman said the breakdown followed the scandal earlier this year where inmates were overheard plotting an escape from the Hayes prison farm.
“And that’s exactly what they did,” Mr Hodgman said.
“It would seem that in a prison system so under-resourced, overcrowded and understaffed by this Lennon Labor Government, intelligence gathering is just another area which is suffering.”
Mr Hodgman the Attorney General Judy Jackson must personally investigate any alleged lapse in intelligence, and provide appropriate resources to ensure all potential threats are followed up appropriately in future.
Meanwhile, Mr Hodgman also called on Ms Jackson to explain what action she had taken to ensure corrective service officers are protected under legislation; after an incident earlier this year where an inmate charged with assaulting an officer had his case dismissed after a court ruled it did not have jurisdiction in the matter.
“Both the Community and Public Sector Union and the State Liberals called on the Attorney General to review State legislation to ensure corrective service officers are protected in the workplace.
“The court case highlighted serious concerns in terms of providing a safe workplace to corrective service officers and back in February, we called on the Attorney General to act.
“It is high time Ms Jackson explained what action she has taken in regard to this matter, particularly at a time when she has known that tensions within the prison system are growing and when the working environment for prison officers appears to be increasingly unsafe.”
…………………………………
Thursday May 12, 2005
Tax cuts a windfall for North-West business community
The North-West business community is expected to benefit to the tune of over $20 million from the tax cuts announced in Tuesday night’s Budget, the Federal Member for Braddon, Mark Baker MP, said today.
Mr Baker said the across the board tax cuts would deliver an average of $312 into the hands of the around 37,000 taxpayers on the Coast, or a total annual tax saving for the North-West of approximately $11.5m.
“When the economic multiplier effect is applied, the flow-on benefit to the community is, therefore, approximately twice this amount – or over $20m per annum,” he said.
“And given that this is calculated on 2001-2002 taxation figures, it is reasonable to suggest that the net benefit to North-West Tasmania of the Howard Liberal Government’s latest tax cuts may well be closer to $30m a year due to the growth in employment and average wages.”
“There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of these monies will be spent on the Coast – supporting the North-West business community.”
Mr Baker said it was important to look at the tax cuts in this context because the benefits to the North-West community as a whole will be substantial.
“As these figures demonstrate, the flow-on effect to retailers and service providers on the Coast from putting more money back into the hands of taxpayers will be considerable,” he said.
“Also, those people who will benefit the most in the coming financial year in terms of their tax saving as a percentage of tax paid are low income earners.
“For example, those earning $20,000 a year will have a tax saving of 11.5 per cent – that is, they will pay 11.5 per cent less tax than they do now.
“Coupled with last year’s family tax benefit increases, these tax cuts mean that working families in the North-West will be substantially better off than they were during the dark days of the previous Labor Government.
“Unfortunately, all of this may be unnecessarily delayed because Labor has vowed for the sake of political grand-standing to oppose the tax cuts.
“It is little wonder that rank and file Labor members are increasingly becoming disillusioned with their party.”
……………………..
Media Release
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Wednesday May 11, 2005
Bartlett’s frustration over preselection shows through in pathetic and dishonest claims
Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley today attacked Labor backbencher David Bartlett for his despicable, dishonest and inept attempt to misrepresent him in what appears to be a blatant bid to divert attention from the woes of his arrogant and incompetent Lennon Labor Government.
“What I said on ABC radio is that the Federal Government is going to pay off its enormous unfunded superannuation liability, in the same way that we already are, but that they are using a different vehicle, the Future Fund, with additional benefits, which is unlike any initiative in Tasmania.
“What I should have explained, had I had the time, was that the reason that the Future Fund is not like any initiative that currently exists in Tasmania is because of my understanding of the key potential benefit that such a fund could invest in infrastructure.
“Under the Lennon Labor Government’s arrogant and warped priorities, Tasmania’s infrastructure is crumbling and this is an appalling state of affairs, severely jeopardising our future economic opportunities.
“What we crucially need is more initiatives that can increase the investment in infrastructure, one of which could be a Future Fund-type vehicle, which clearly does not exist in Tasmania.
“I hope this pathetic muckraking from David Bartlett is not a result of his pre-selection frustrations over Duncan Kerr’s moves to take his seat in Denison.”
……………………………….
Nick McKim MHA
Wednesday, 11 MAY 2005
GOVERNMENT CAVES IN UNDER GREENS PRESSURE AND NOMINATES DEVILS FOR THREATENED SPECIES LISTING
The Tasmanian Greens today said that they were pleased that the Government had finally caught up with the Greens and nominated the Tasmanian Devils on to the Threatened Species Register.
Greens Opposition Environment spokesperson Nick McKim MHA, who nominated the Devils for inclusion on both the State and Federal Threatened Species Registers on the 10th of April this year, said that Mrs Jackson had labelled the Greens nomination at the time as a stunt based on ‘ignorance’.
Mr McKim had also called on the State government to submit their own Threatened Species nomination for the Devil when announcing that the Greens intended to do so.
“This shows the value of the Greens who have once again pressured the Government into action on a crucial environmental issue,” Mr McKim said.
“Told you so,” said Mr McKim.
“We are pleased that the Government has finally caught up to the Greens, and hopefully now we will see a positive outcome for the Tasmanian Devils.”
“It is somewhat surprising that Mrs Jackson has not nominated the Devils for inclusion on the Commonwealth Threatened Species register, but the Greens’ comprehensive actions have ensured that the Federal government will also consider a nomination.”
Mr McKim said that inclusion on State or Commonwealth Threatened Species Register would assist in extra funding to speed up pathological testing.
…………………………..
Peg Putt MHA
GREENS OPPOSITION LEADER
Wednesday, 11 MAY 2005
LENNON ADMITS WITHHOLDING TREASURY REPORT FROM KEN BACON
Accountability, Leadership Under Pressure
The Tasmanian Greens today say that the Premier’s confirmation that he withheld the Treasury Report on the Sprit III and TT–Line from former Tourism Minister Ken Bacon when he was due to front an Estimates Committee Hearing shows an unacceptable contempt for the obligation of Government Ministers to be accountable to Parliament.
Greens Opposition Leader Peg Putt MHA believes that Lennon’s admission also validates Ken Bacon’s claim that he was being sidelined from decision making and undermined by the Premier, and that the Premier’s behaviour illustrates a lack of leadership qualities and the fostering of a climate of spite and retribution within Cabinet and the Parliamentary Labor Party.
Ms Putt also pointed out that although Lennon had sidelined Ken Bacon for supporting retention of Sprit III when the Premier was inclined to take Treasury’s advice to sell, eventually Cabinet had decided to keep the troubled ferry with an unprecedented injection of public funds, which must lead to speculation that Lennon was rolled in Cabinet.
“The Premier has now confirmed that he did withhold the Treasury Report on Spirit III from his former Tourism Minister when he knew that Ken Bacon was to front the Estimates Committee hearing on this matter, and this demonstrates an unacceptable contempt for the obligation of Government Ministers to be accountable to Parliament,” Ms Putt said.
“Parliamentary accountability is fundamental to democracy, and when that breaks down we are heading towards the troubled waters where dictatorship lies, yet Premier Lennon has the bare-faced gall to try and pass off his highly improper actions as not being sinister.”
“Lennon forced his Minister to breach the Premier’s Code of Conduct for Ministers which says they must always be fully briefed.”
“Lennon’s admission also validates Ken Bacon’s claim that as Tourism Minister he was being deliberately cut out of decision making by a Premier determined to undermine him, which is an appalling way to deal with his Cabinet and shows a failure of leadership qualities.”
“Paul Lennon has indulged in favouritism and deliberately sidelined a Minister and is fostering a climate of spite and retribution amongst his colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party.”
“It also seems that Lennon’s machinations have not frightened Cabinet into submission but instead has made them rebellious, since his original intent to sell Sprit III was obviously overturned because when it came to the crunch the Premier did not have the numbers.”
“Has Lennon lost his grip on Cabinet because of his machinations and contempt for democratic process?”
………………………………..
Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Shadow Minister for Employment
Wednesday May 11, 2005
Concern over NAB job shedding plans in Tasmania
Shadow Employment Minister Will Hodgman today called on the State’s Employment Minister Lara Giddings to urgently meet with the National Australia Bank, to ascertain the potential impact of job losses in this State.
Mr Hodgman said the bank’s jobs-shedding plans announced today were extremely drastic, and he was worried about the impact on jobs and services in Tasmania.
“The decision to cut 2000 jobs from the bank’s Australian workforce has come on the day it announced a $2.54 billion half-year net profit, so there will understandably be considerable concern in the community about this move,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Any repercussions for Tasmanian NAB workers will be sorely felt here, and have flow-on effects throughout the economy.
“The State Labor Government has a duty to seek explanations from the National Australia Bank about its plans for jobs-shedding in Tasmania and its justification for this.
“The State Labor Government must also seek assurances that the NAB has no plans to downgrade Tasmania into a Victorian outpost of the bank, as this could have negative implications for business and investment here.”
……………………………
Media Release
BRETT WHITELEY, MHA
Shadow Treasurer
Wednesday May 11, 2005
Lennon’s arrogant anti-tax cuts mentality a disgrace
Shadow Treasurer Brett Whiteley has today attacked Premier Lennon’s arrogant anti-tax cuts mentality and called on the Premier to reveal whether he also opposed the income tax cuts for Tasmanian families as his Labor colleagues have and as he has appeared to indicate.
“Mr Lennon’s arrogant rantings against income tax cuts that would benefit Tasmanian families including lower income families is quite astounding,” Mr Whiteley said.
“The income tax cuts to Tasmanian families from the Federal Government are in sharp contrast to the high taxing Lennon Labor Government with its exorbitant land tax hikes and backdoor tax increases.
“The Premier had to be dragged kicking and screaming before he caved in to reduce some stamp duties in next week’s State Budget and his anti-tax cuts mentality must not punish battling Tasmanians suffering from Labor’s oppressive land tax hikes.
Mr Whiteley said it was gross hypocrisy of the highest order for Mr Lennon to attack changes to thresholds for the Medicare Safety Net when it is Labor policy to abolish the Safety Net.
“Under Premier Lennon’s Labor Party colleague
