Have you blown the Budget again, Premier?

Last financial year, in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis, the State Government spent $311 million more than it budgeted.

This was despite Tasmania losing nearly $220 million in GST and state taxation revenue in 2008-09 and being forecast to lose more than $1.4 billion from these sources over the next three years.

As we are now nearly a quarter of the way through the 2009-10 financial year and given the Treasurer has a history of blowing the budget, the Premier must explain whether he has been able to make the savings announced in this year’s Budget.

The budget forecast cuts to expenses this year of more than $116.5 million, with the majority of the savings to come from efficiency dividends ($61.4 million) and employment management strategies ($34.7 million).

This means that the Government committed to saving, on average, $10 million per month.

Are these savings being made?

Exactly how much has each government department saved?

How many redundancies have been taken up, given that the budget forecast 800 redundancies to meet the savings targets?

Which SES positions of the 25 forecast to go this year have been made redundant or not filled?

Tasmanians have the right to know.

The Premier, who preached prudence and fiscal responsibility last year, but then demonstrated with a $311 million overspend that he was unable to match his rhetoric with actions, must explain whether the savings are being made and in what areas.

Tasmanians finances are too important to be kept secret and the Government must explain what progress has been made to date.

Tasmania needs financial leadership and vision, not spin and poor management.
Peter Gutwein MP Shadow Treasurer