The Liberal Government has refused to spend a single cent of more than half a billion in GST funds to restore the damage they have done to essential services.
Labor Leader Bryan Green today expressed disbelief that the Liberals do not believe rebuilding health and education is a good use of public money.
“The Liberals today said spending money on education and health would be “blowing” and “wasting” it,” Mr Green said.
“This is highly offensive to those who are working in our health and education systems and the people who rely on them.
“Treasurer Peter Gutwein is still blind to the hurt his damaging cuts are causing in communities across Tasmania.
“The $598 million GST windfall gives Mr Gutwein the opportunity make amends.
“For Mr Gutwein to flatly refuse to even consider repairing frontline services is a slap in the face to Tasmanians.
“What’s worse is the Liberals’ attack on essential services is set to continue with $600 million to be ripped out of the budget to pay for its unaffordable election promises.
“The State Government’s priorities are all wrong.
“The axe now hangs over another 400 workers, elective surgery waiting lists are blowing out, class sizes are increasing because teachers have been sacked and people can’t get public housing.
“These cuts are stretching frontline workers to breaking point.
“Any suggestion by Peter Gutwein that ‘the heavy lifting has been done’ is an insult to all those who are bearing brunt of Government cuts.
“Why is repairing essential services not considered a good use of taxpayers’ money by the Liberals?”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
