Employment figures show now is not the time to slash jobs

Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon says today’s steady employment figures show Tasmania’s economy is delicate and it’s not the time to slash 1200 jobs.

“The Premier and Treasurer should think very carefully about what significant cuts to the public sector would do to the broader economy,” Mr Bacon said.

“Now is the time to be positive about the strengths of the State’s economy, not take the axe to the public service.”

On August 23, Peter Gutwein issued a press release warning of the consequences of deeper cuts.

“…we will kill off the green shoots and that would hurt the economy even more.”

“The Treasurer should listen to his own advice and go back and negotiate with his workforce,” Mr Bacon said.

“And Peter Gutwein needs to talk up the economy, not his own Government’s performance.

“Last week we saw Mr Gutwein take credit for every new job since March, claiming he’s done more in 200 days than Labor did in 16 years.

“Today’s employment stats shows hard work still needs to be done to strengthen our economy.

“As Shadow Treasurer, I’ve pledged to talk Tasmania up not down and I stand ready to work constructively towards a stronger economy.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer