Hodgman comes home empty-handed despite big promises

The Premier’s mission to retrieve the $2.1 billion cut from health and education in Tasmania has failed dismally.

Will Hodgman has returned home from the COAG retreat in Sydney empty-handed.

Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said it’s an embarrassing outcome.

“The Treasurer and Premier were full of bluster before the meeting, but Will Hodgman has come home empty-handed,” Mr Bacon said.

On Monday, Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s message was clear.

“We want our money back! We want our money back, $2.1 billion was taken from the state in last year’s Federal Budget.” (WIN News 20/7/2015)

“Now the Premier has seemingly given up,” Mr Bacon said.

“The bottom line is health and education are looking at a $2.1 billion funding gap over the next ten years.

“Tasmania has been let down badly by the Federal Government and the Premier has failed to change Tony Abbott’s mind.

“Labor supports Tasmania being involved in discussions over health reform, but the Premier’s priority was to claw back the $2.1 billion.

“On that measure, his trip to COAG was a failure.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer