The Liberal Government promised at the 2021 election that they would return the budget to surplus this year. Instead, they ran the largest budget deficit in Tasmanian history.
The Government then promised a surplus in the upcoming budget. But today's budget preview all but confirms that surplus is gone as well.
We are already in record debt and deficit and have nothing to show for it as our public services crumble.
This is a pathetic attempt to get in front of what is poised to be a terrible budget. This is about the government's lack of financial discipline over almost 10 years.
Labor left this government with $200 million in net cash and reserves and the Liberals have now built up even more debt than the Rundle Government left Labor with in 1998.
As recently as 23 March, just two months ago, the Premier told Parliament "…the budget remains on track for a return to surplus next year".
This minority Government is reckless. It has no fiscal discipline and the Treasurer will no doubt have to hang his head in shame on Thursday as he announces more deficits and more debt.
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Treasurer
