Peter Whish-Wilson: PUP’s votes massive blow to Tasmania

The Palmer United Party senator Jacqui Lambie arrived in Canberra last week insistent she would stand up for Tasmania and yet this week two of her votes will deliver massive blows to the state, Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today.

“If Senator Lambie was serious about standing up for Tasmania she wouldn’t have voted down the carbon price or the assistance to small business package.

“The abolition of the carbon price has already seen 100 jobs lost at Hydro and dividends from the state owned electricity generator will shrink by at least $280M over the forward estimates, smashing Tasmania’s budget bottom-line that funds our teachers, nurses, and services.

“Palmer United also voted against tax breaks for small business, despite the fact that in Tasmania the sector employs over half of the Island’s workforce.

“The Palmer United Party were happy to vote for tax cuts for large mining companies while at the same time repealing tax cuts for small business – sensible initiatives that were widely supported across the community.

“The Greens voted for the continuation of these breaks for small business and we went to the last election advocating for a more generous 2% cut in small business tax.

“The Palmer United Party has proven over the last two weeks that they are happy to side with big business over consumers and small business through their vote to dismantle consumer protections on financial advice and now their vote to repeal small business tax cuts.

“I’m pleased Senator Lambie voted with the Greens and ALP to keep the superannuation scheme that helps low income earners but it now remains to be seen whether she will hold firm today.

“The Senate last night voted to repeal the super profits mining tax but with amendments to save support for low-income earners. The House has rejected those amendments so today we wait to see if PUP will stand by low-income earners or cave in to the big mining barons,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson