Gutwein facing major test at National Cabinet
must back up pledge to fight for JobKeeper extension
recovery depends on Tasmania’s voice being heard
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
