Today's National Cabinet meeting is shaping up to be a major test for Peter Gutwein.
On the weekend the Premier finally committed to fighting to extend the JobKeeper program beyond September.
This is particularly important for Tasmania where just over 17 per cent of direct and indirect employment is reliant on tourism. Without an extension of the JobKeeper there is a real risk of further economic contraction and more job losses.
Today's meeting will be a showdown between Peter Gutwein and Scott Morrison, who has given the strongest indication yet that he has no intention of extending Job Keeper beyond September.
The Prime Minister will deliver a speech to the National Press Club today in which he is expected to outline changes to industrial relations, skills and training and tax.
"Now, more than ever, it is important that Tasmania's voice is heard.
"In addition to fighting to extend Job Keeper, Mr Gutwein must ensure that workers' rights are not eroded by changes to industrial relations.
"He must fight for skills funding to be prioritised to public training providers.
"And he must ensure that Tasmania does not lose out in any tax changes.
"There is every indication the Prime Minister is going to play hardball with Tasmania - using any leverage he can to force the state to lift border restrictions earlier.
"Peter Gutwein has talked tough, but he has a poor track record when it comes to lobbying Scott Morrison.
"Those two have history - who could forget Scott Morrison's reported insult to Peter Gutwein during negotiations over the GST?"
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
