Liberals blaming local government for their own failures
Not a cent committed to water and sewerage infrastructure by the Libs in the Federal Election campaign
Labor would work with all tiers of government
The Liberal Party’s water and sewerage petition is the height of hypocrisy.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Madeleine Ogilvie said the Liberals should be embarrassed.
“The Liberal Party’s manufactured fight with councils will hold Tasmania back,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Instead of blaming local government for its own failures, the Liberal Government should recognise that investing in infrastructure is a shared responsibility.
“Peter Gutwein has had three years to tackle the challenges in water and sewerage and he has done nothing.
“Instead of proposing solutions, the Government is desperately searching for an early election trigger.”
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said the Labor Party had been calling for State Government funding for water and sewerage for three years.
“We would work with councils fix the problem instead of wasting time pointing fingers,” Mr Bacon said.
“Investing in infrastructure has been a key priority in every one of the Labor Party’s budget replies while the Liberals have chronically underinvested in infrastructure.
“What’s worse, they have failed to lobby their Federal colleagues for funding.
“Sam McQuestin oversaw a Federal Election campaign last year where the Liberals did not commit one cent to water and sewerage.
“Now he’s lecturing local government on its commitment to investing in infrastructure. It’s the height of hypocrisy.
“In contrast, Labor put $75 million on the table for water and sewerage in Launceston – a commitment criticised by the Liberals.
“Will Hodgman and Peter Gutwein have completely failed to secure Commonwealth funding for critical infrastructure projects.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Local Government Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
