Tasmanians for Reform has called on the Local Government to reveal how much of ratepayer money
has been spent on the ‘Yes’ campaign in Tasmania, given the Referendum to guarantee it Federal
funding is now dead in the water.
Spokesperson Mary Massina said Local Government in Tasmania was poised to pour hundreds of
thousands of ratepayer’s dollars into a lavish advertising campaign to convince Tasmanians to
support the push for financial recognition a federal level.
“It is appalling to think that ratepayers were not given a choice in coughing up an estimated
$400,000 for the Tasmanian campaign,” Ms Massina said.
“Given this lack of transparency, at least Local Government could now detail how much has already
been spent on the campaign.
“If no money has been spent then that is great, but at least pay the courtesy to rate payers of telling
them where they have spent the money.”
Ms Massina said this was just another case of Local Government not being accountable to their
communities, last month farmers on the East Coast faced up to 40 per cent rate increases to fund
largess such as this.
“What the community wants from Local Government is efficient services, better infrastructure and
cheaper rates, not a glossy campaign designed to convince them how they should vote at the
referendum.”
“Local Government should be looking where they can save money, not waste it. A report
commissioned by Tasmanians for Reform shows some 35 per cent efficiency could be gained
through Local Government mergers, which translates to a saving of some $200 million each year but
this was ridiculed by Local Government,” Ms Massina said.
“Local Government then commissioned their own report in the South, which showed a saving of 15
per cent in service delivery alone, but this report has been conveniently shelved.”
Ms Massina said Tasmanians deserved better services, improved infrastructure and cheaper rates,
not lavish advertising campaigns.
Tasmanians for Reform spokesperson, Mary Massina
