Warnings of massive cost increases as pressure builds on Local Government Minister

 Brighton Mayor Tony Foster calls on Minister to “stand down”
 Water costs and rates tipped to skyrocket
 Minister at war with the people he’s meant to support and represent

Pressure is mounting on Peter Gutwein to stand down as Local Government Minister with warnings that water costs and rates will skyrocket.

Shadow Minister for Local Government Madeleine Ogilvie said it’s the clear the Minister has lost the confidence of councils.

“The latest comments from Brighton Mayor Tony Foster are damning,” Ms Ogilvie said.

The Mayor has put it bluntly – “the Treasurer is no longer fit to serve as local government Minister”.”

Mr Foster warns “If he succeeds in his takeover attempt, the community will be paying much, much more for water and sewerage services and for council rates.”

“Peter Gutwein is about to hit Tasmanians with a double whammy,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“Households are already under pressure to make ends meet. We can’t afford a massive spike in costs when it comes to water and rates due to Peter Gutwein’s actions.

“How can it be tenable for the Local Government Minister to be at war with councils?

“Peter Gutwein has pointed the finger at local government for his own political purposes and it has backfired badly.

“Not only are mayors speaking out but the Minister has been directly criticised by TasWater chairman Miles Hampton.

“It’s an unprecedented situation to have the Local Government Minister so starkly at odds with the people he’s meant to represent.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Local Government and Planning Minister