Labor ready to offer vision and compassion

The Tasmanian Labor team will relish the chance to respond to the Budget this week in Parliament.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said the week will give Tasmanians a chance to hear what a future Labor government will stand for.

“This week is not about what we could do or might do, it’s about what we will do in 2018,” Mr Green said.

“Labor has already made significant policy announcements around education, preventative health and infrastructure investment.

“Labor has been a strong voice in the face of deep cuts to frontline services.

“Labor has clearly articulated opposition to a series of poorly designed pieces of legislation put forward by the Liberals.

“Labor’s persuasive arguments in the Lower House have set the tone for extensive scrutiny in the Upper House.

“Draconian attempts to change defamation and protest laws have been thwarted thanks to effective scrutiny.

“Over the 15 months Labor has proved to be an effective opposition, holding an inexperienced, mean spirited and arrogant government to account.

“But we’re determined to also be a credible alternative government, armed with ideas and solutions to make Tasmania a better place to work and live.

“We will substantially build on our policy base as we approach the 2018 election.

“The Liberals were handed a golden opportunity thanks to increased revenue flowing into the state, but their Budget lacked both compassion and vision.

“There has been no admission from the Government that the cuts imposed in the 2014/15 Budget have had a damaging impact on service delivery in Tasmania.

“The Budget fails to acknowledge that many Tasmanians are doing it tough and are being further disadvantaged by underfunded essential services.

“The Liberals have not got the balance right and the community deserves better.

“Labor stands ready to take the fight up to this overconfident government and articulate a clear alternative as we build towards the next election.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader