Ordinary Tasmanians continue to be left behind as the Liberal government refuses to address cost of living issues or Tasmania's record debt.
Labor Leader Rebecca White has delivered her budget reply speech to State Parliament today, saying last week's state budget has done nothing for Tasmanian families and individuals struggling to pay the rent and other everyday expenses.
"Over the past eight years, Peter Gutwein and the Liberals have spent a lot of time talking up their economic management," Ms White said.
"But as Peter Gutwein's eighth budget as Treasurer demonstrated last week, the government is taking us deeper into debt with very little to show for it, and far too many Tasmanian families and individuals are struggling to keep their heads above water.
"This government is racking up debts of $2 million a day - debt we are leaving for our children to pay off.
"But health and housing waiting lists continue to grow and we have the worst education outcomes in the country.
"Wages are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living and the housing crisis is pushing families to breaking point.
"Over the past 20 years, rental affordability has declined in Tasmania at ten times the national average and rents are now the least affordable in the country, while wages growth has stalled.
"Meanwhile, essential items such as groceries, petrol prices, power bills, water bills, council rates, childcare, parking, phone bills and internet bills have skyrocketed.
"Liberal economic management is not working for Tasmanian families and under their watch, the Australian dream of home ownership is just that - a dream.
"Every parent, grandparent, aunt and uncle I talk to wants their kids to have the same opportunities and a better life than they had.
"Labor is determined to make sure that all Tasmanians get a fair go and that our economy is working for them and their future."
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
