The Liberal Government’s rationale for axing nurses and teachers has been exposed, with revelations revenue forecasts have been grossly and deliberately underestimated.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon today released analysis which showed the sacking of public servants had been based on a lie.
“There is over half a billion dollars in additional GST revenue flowing into Tasmania over the next four years and Mr Gutwein has an obligation to repair the damage he has done to our schools and hospitals,” Mr Bacon said.
“The 2015/16 Federal Budget reveals a massive increase in Federal funding. GST revenues alone have increased by $590.9 million dollars compared to the 2014-15 State Budget.
“On the back of these figures, the opposition anticipates the Budget will return to surplus during this current term.
“After winning office last year, Mr Gutwein claimed that Tasmania’s budgetary position had unexpectedly deteriorated and GST revenue forecasts had been slashed.
“He produced a politically convenient ‘Risks Report’ designed to scare and mislead people about the state of the Budget.
“He has used that report ever since to justify his attack on our frontline services and to axe hundreds of hard working Tasmanians including 266 teachers and 224 health workers.
“The Government concocted a budget emergency knowing full well GST levels would rise. Their heavily redacted RTI documents prove they were intent on hiding the real GST forecasts from the public.
“Last week’s Commonwealth Budget finally exposed the level of deceit this Treasurer has engaged in.
“Far from plummeting revenues and budget emergencies, we now know his ‘Risks Report’ was nothing more than a manufactured excuse to gut our health and education systems.
“We now have a Treasurer benefiting from historically high GST relativities, a booming tourism sector, rapidly expanding dairy and aquaculture sectors, a ready-made strategic relationship with China and yet sick, elderly and vulnerable Tasmanians are worse off than ever before.
“The Liberals are squandering a hard fought opportunity to improve the lives of struggling Tasmanians by restoring the services they need and creating the opportunities they deserve.
“It is time Peter Gutwein and Will Hodgman stopped blaming everyone else for their own destructive and unnecessary decisions and got on with the job of repairing the damage they have caused.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
