Statements
Phantom $75 million undermines entire budget
A dark cloud hangs over the Liberal Government’s first budget following a startling revelation in Hydro’s scrutiny hearing this morning.
A forecast $75 million dividend from Hydro Tasmania in 2017/18 has effectively been plucked out of thin air.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Liberals have been caught out cooking the books.
“The Liberals are forecasting a huge dividend from Hydro but it’s based on nothing,” Mr Green said.
“Peter Gutwein is relying on this $75 million to prop up his bottom line but it’s a phantom number.
“It has been confirmed that Hydro will be up to $700 million worse off over the next 10 years and yet the Liberals magically expect them to find $75 million to prop up the State Budget.
“Hydro’s chairman was unable to explain what the $75 million projection is based on or how it would be achieved.
“This is a giant black hole in the State Budget.
“It begs the question what other dodgy assumptions have been built into the Liberal Government’s budget lie.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader