Liberal budget a ticking time bomb

Labor Leader Bryan Green has described the Liberal Government’s budget as a ticking time bomb.

“The budget has had its day in the sun. What is now clear is that it’s a terrible con on the people of Tasmania,” Mr Green said.

“The impact on jobs and services is the deception at the heart of this budget.

“It has struck fear and paranoia into the hearts of nurses, teachers, police and firefighters and the people in the public service they rely on for crucial support.

“These are not people who the Liberals accuse of sitting on their bums in an office in Hobart, they are real people who deliver real services in regional communities right around Tasmania.

“You cannot make three quarters of a billion dollars’ worth of cuts without dire consequences for the Tasmanian community.

“Just as Tony Abbott lied to get elected the budget makes it clear Will Hodgman lied to the Tasmanian people at the last election.

“The Government says it will cut 700 full time jobs but no one knows yet how many people will actually be tapped on the shoulder. We believe the real net number will be more than 1100 jobs.

“People are starting to come to grips with the fact they’ll lose their jobs or be forced to take a pay cut to fund the Liberals extravagant election promises from the self-styled good news Premier.

“These jobs losses will be felt across the entire state. Hundreds of jobs will go from our regions that are already doing it tough. Tens of millions of dollars will be ripped from regional economies.

“People will not cop it and that’s why this budget will unravel.

“The budget is tricky and misleading.

“The Government is only honouring $90 million of almost $500 million worth of election promises in the first year, and it’s anyone’s guess what promises it will be forced to abandon in the years ahead.

“Make no mistake, this is a big spending budget where the Government is spending more than it will earn and Tasmanians will pay the price.

“The Government claims it is spending record amounts on health and education but at the same time is slashing budgets and clawing back tens of millions of dollars from government departments.

“A closer look at the budget shows it will rip $210 million out of health and almost $150 million out of education.

“Mr Gutwein says Tasmania Police will receive an extra $33.5 million but in fact its budget will be cut by $42.2 million.

“This budget just doesn’t add up and is a complete con.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader