Jeremy Rockliff’s statement today on the Liberals’ fiscal strategy is dishonest, and shows his government is more concerned with playing pretend on the economy than looking after Tasmanians and our economic future.
Mr Rockliff’s claim the Liberals have a strong record of financial management is laughable.
The Liberals inherited a state completely free of net debt, but 10 years of Liberal mismanagement has left Tasmania’s finances in the worst shape they’ve ever been, with record debt – set to hit $6.1 billion in just a few years.
And, it’s well known Tasmania was heading into record debt before the pandemic – and not only that, the budget deficit is today more than 50 per cent worse than it was at the height of Covid, at more than half a billion dollars.
Jeremy Rockliff’s statement also claims there will be no new taxes, despite making and breaking the same promise at the last election, having just announced a visitor tax as part of this campaign, and refusing to rule out a new GP tax.
A Rebecca White Labor Government will end wasteful spending, reduce infrastructure cost blowouts to stabilise debt, and repair the fiscal position by backing long-term economic growth and ensuring spending decisions are made responsibly.
If the Liberals haven’t fixed it in 10 years, we cannot risk giving them 14 years.
It’s time for a better future under a Rebecca White Labor Government.
Shane Broad
Shadow Treasurer