Bryan Green: Coalition urged to do the right thing by Tasmanians

The Acting Premier Bryan Green today congratulated Tony Abbott on the election result and called on him to do the right thing by all Tasmanians.

“The election has been run and won and now it’s back to business,” Mr Green said.

“The State Government stands ready and willing to work with the Coalition to continue the improvement we are seeing in Tasmania’s economy.

Mr Green said he had tried to contact Mr Abbott today to reinforce with him issues of critical importance to Tasmania.

“The Tasmania Government wants to work positively and cooperatively with the Commonwealth so that we can continue to strengthen our economy.

“All I am asking on behalf of our State is that the new Federal Government does the right thing by all Tasmanians.

“I am seeking a rock solid guarantee from Mr Abbott that he will not cut Tasmania’s share of the GST and a commitment to the full roll-out of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania.

Mr Green also called on Mr Abbott to ensure the immediate implementation of the $100 million worth of projects from the economic diversification fund under the Tasmania Forest Agreement.

“Mr Abbott must not walk away from the Tasmanian communities who so urgently need this investment and the 2,600 new jobs that are at stake.

Mr Green said Mr Abbott must respect the decisions of the Tasmanian Parliament in relation to the TFA and show he is above the politics being played by the State Liberals.

“Our Parliament has now voted on two occasions to proceed with the implementation of the TFA with the backing of Tasmania’s forest industry.

“The parliament, forest industry and communities have been very clear that they want to move on from the decades of conflict and I expect the Federal Government to work with us to ensure the ongoing implementation of the this agreement.

Mr Green said he expected the Coalition to honour funding commitments to Tasmania in the existing Federal Budget.

“For example, the Tasmania Government has demonstrated its bona fides by committing $20 million to support international shipping services on the proviso of matching funding from the Commonwealth.

“We also want to work in partnership with the Coalition to deliver funding to help secure the future of jobs at Simplot in Devonport.

“The start of new irrigation schemes for the Dial Blythe area on the North-West Coast and the Southern Highlands also hinges on Commonwealth funding.

Mr Green said and was hopeful of a positive relationship with a Liberal Government in Canberra.

“It would certainly be a welcome change from the constant negativity and endless talking down of Tasmania by the State Liberals which will do nothing but undermine confidence and investment,” Mr Green said.
Bryan Green Acting Premier