Liberals fail to square the ledger with Tasmanians

The Liberal Government’s second budget proves it has no vision for Tasmania beyond the next election and is only about political self-interest.

Labor Leader Bryan Green today labelled Treasurer Peter Guitwein’s second Budget as a wasted opportunity.

“The Liberals have failed to lift their sights above their own blatant political self-interest,” Mr Green said.

“The Government is setting aside $220 million of unprecedented GST revenue for a war chest to fight the next election.

“The massive increase in GST funding gave this Government the chance to square the ledger with Tasmanians but it has failed.

“The Liberals have simply thrown their hands in the air over issues it should have addressed in the budget because it too hard.

“There was no money in the budget to tackle overcrowded classrooms following the sacking of teachers.

“Where is the support for our resources sector to get industries like mining moving again? There was nothing in the Budget.

“There’s no plan when it comes to upgrading Tasmania’s water and sewerage infrastructure. We must work with the Commonwealth and identify industry priorities, such as working with our valuable oyster industry.

“When will the Government accept responsibility for affordable housing and tackle growing waiting lists? There was nothing in the Budget.

“Instead, the Liberals are still refusing to even acknowledge the damaging impact its Budget cuts last year had on jobs and frontline services.

“Now the Treasurer Peter Gutwein is trying to pretend that further cuts are not locked into the budget.

“The fact is further cuts are on the way.

“In Government, Labor will repair the terrible damage done by the Liberals.

“That’s why we must continue taking up the fight on behalf of Tasmanians against this arrogant and overconfident Liberal Government.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader