Treasurer Gutwein praises Labor’s achievements

Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon today welcomed Peter Gutwein’s acknowledgement of Labor’s positive economic legacy in a speech to the Economic and Social Outlook Conference in Melbourne.

In a welcome departure from his trademark negativity, Mr Gutwein devoted a sizeable portion of his speech to recognising the previous Labor Government’s achievements.

“Mr Gutwein correctly noted that under the previous Labor Government, Tasmania was one of the first states to abolish all agreed taxes following the introduction of the GST,” Mr Bacon said.

“The Treasurer also reeled off a long list of productivity reforms that were advanced – not by the Liberals – but by the previous Labor Government.

“Mr Gutwein’s list of ‘major competition reforms’ included the deregulation of shop trading hours, retail contestability in gas and electricity markets and removing the monopoly of solicitors and conveyance services.

“Labor fought hard to achieve these reforms and we agree with Mr Gutwein that they helped lay the foundations for a more resilient and self-reliant Tasmanian economy.

“While we welcome Mr Gutwein’s acknowledgement of Labor’s achievements, today’s speech did expose the Treasurer for having very few ideas of his own.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer