Treasurer Peter Gutwein is risking Tasmania’s hard-earned credit rating after changing his tune on delivering a surplus.
Before the election Mr Gutwein promised to deliver a surplus within three years, but has pushed that target back to six years, while pushing ahead with $500 million in extravagant election promises.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said Mr Gutwein’s spending problem was putting Tasmania’s credit rating under threat.
“Peter Gutwein’s broken promise on the budget surplus puts Tasmania’s AA+ credit rating at risk,” Mr Bacon said.
“A credit rating downgrade would have serious impact on future budgets and how much the Government can invest in health, education and other important government services.
“Mr Gutwein needs to explain the long-term ramifications if Tasmania has its credit rating downgraded.
“The Liberals have a spending problem all of their own making as they promised all things to all people before the election.
“Peter Gutwein has completely abandoned his own fiscal strategy and his actions threaten to result in a credit downgrade.”
Mr Bacon said the Liberals needed to explain their backflip on the surplus and release figures to prove that they will honour their new six-year promise.
“Tasmanians can have little faith that the Liberals will honour their new promises of a budget surplus after their latest broken promise,” Mr Bacon said.
“Hard-working teachers, nurses and public servants are being forced to pay for the Liberals’ extravagant election promises.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
