Labor Leader Bryan Green has slammed the Abbott Government for trying to blackmail the state into selling valuable public assets.
“Tony Abbott went to the election promising to create jobs and economic activity in Tasmania. He didn’t tell voters that any assistance would be contingent on selling assets,” Mr Green said.
“This is a clear case of economic blackmail from the Federal Government.
“Rather than recognising the urgent need to provide assistance to Tasmania, the Liberals have embarked on an ideological crusade.
“Selling assets like the Hydro, TasPorts and MAIB would result in Tasmanians paying more for essential services and squander future opportunities to create wealth for the state.
“It’s all very well for Will Hodgman to oppose asset sales, but where is the cooperative approach between the state and federal governments that he promised?
“Where are the positive outcomes that have resulted from having Liberal Governments in Canberra and Tasmania?
“The fact is that the incentive to sell off assets wouldn’t cover even half of the cuts to health and education inflicted on Tasmania in the Federal Budget.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
