David Llewellyn: Liberals flirt with budget crisis

The arrogance and incompetence of the Liberal Government has brought the state within minutes of a genuine budget emergency.

This evening, the Leader of Government Business Michael Ferguson failed to understand the rules of the house which meant debate on the supplementary appropriation bill was within five minutes of being adjourned.

Had this happened there would potentially not have been enough time next week for the Legislative Council to approve the necessary funding to allow schools, hospitals and other services to continue to operate beyond July 1.

“The incompetence of Michael Ferguson has potentially meant that Tasmanian police, teachers and nurses would not have been paid,” Leader of Opposition Business David Llewellyn said.

“It was only due to the constructive approach of opposition members that this potentially catastrophic situation was averted.

“The Liberals’ arrogance almost caught up with them and in the process nearly cost thousands of workers and their families, as well as vital frontline services.”
David Llewellyn MP Leader of Opposition Business