Tasmania's Budget is headed for $343 million in net debt* while the Government continues to have the wrong priorities for our state, Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said.
"Tasmanians should be under no illusions, the past five years have been a wasted opportunity," Mr Bacon said.
"Despite good economic conditions and more revenue, the Budget is headed for $343 million in net debt.
"Treasurer Gutwein has never delivered a real surplus and his budget update shows he never will.
"Treasurer Gutwein has blown his so-called 'golden age' by spending more than he earns – all while failing to give Tasmanian workers a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living.
"Our hospitals and health system are in crisis – with a health funding black hole of $100 million every year.
"Next year the Liberals are forecasting to spend $15 million less on our hospitals and the health system.
"What was forecast to be a $161.9 million surplus has been reduced by 95 per cent to just $7.3 million before the costs of recent bushfires and no doubt more emergency health funding top ups are factored in.
"Treasurer Gutwein has squandered the good times and has Tasmania headed for $343 million in net debt – he has no one to blame for these numbers except his own poor judgement and bad decisions."
