Labor Leader Bryan Green has written to the Auditor General seeking advice on whether he would be prepared to audit future budget documents to improve transparency.
“Throughout Budget Estimates hearings this week, the Liberals from the Premier down have refused to answer simple questions on how and even if budget savings can be achieved.
“It is blatantly obvious Treasurer Peter Gutwein was well aware of the State’s financial challenges before the election but it didn’t stop the Liberals announcing more than $400 million worth of promises.
“It is also very clear that Mr Gutwein has misrepresented and politicised the ‘Risks Report’ he asked Treasury to prepare after the election in an attempt to justify the Government’s budget cuts to pay for its promises.
“There is no fundamental difference between the analysis of Tasmania’s budgetary challenges in the Mid-Year Economic Review released just prior to the election and the Risks Report.
“Our criticism is not of Treasury, it’s squarely aimed at a Government whose entire budget has been framed to pay for its extravagant election promises.
“The whole premise of the budget is based on deceit.
“Mr Gutwein does not deny he knew of the risks to the budget but was rolled by Will Hodgman who went on a pre-election spending spree.
“That has forced Mr Gutwein to break his election promise to return the budget to surplus in three years.
“It is little wonder the Liberals have been unable identify where they will make savings and refused to answer questions during Budget Estimates hearings.
“They’re good at spending but not saving.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
