It is quite astounding that today, just a week after the Liberals designed a container deposit scheme that Boag's says will unnecessarily cost them millions of dollars, the Premier has used the brewery for a quick photo op to announce they will be the 'official beer partner' of the now privately-run Taste of Summer festival.
Shadow Environment Minister Sarah Lovell said the Premier couldn't have his beer and drink it too.
"The community and business sectors are raising serious questions about whether the container deposit scheme designed by the Liberals is the right model for Tasmania. This includes Launceston PCYC, numerous community groups and the TCCI," Ms Lovell said.
"Boag's themselves are so concerned they've written directly to the Premier to outline how the Liberal model will impose multi-million-dollar costs on their business. What did he have to say to them and their workers today?
"Did he listen to their concerns? Did he apologise for the way Boag's say his Minister has treated this iconic Tasmanian business? Does he understand the company's concerns that the Minister has been misleading in his public statements?
"Labor has long supported a container deposit scheme in Tasmania and we want to ensure the successful model is what's best for our state.
"We have a once in a generation chance to get this scheme right and it is vital it achieves the right balance across the community, and that includes for workers at businesses like Boag's.
"Using the business and its workers for a cheap photo-op is disrespectful. Instead the Premier should be urgently trying to address their concerns the Liberals' container deposit scheme will unnecessarily cost them millions of dollars each year."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Environment Minister
