The reality of Tasmania's economy doesn't stack up against the rosy picture painted by Government on the back of ABS figures on retail trade released this week.
Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said Peter Gutwein has selectively used ABS data to talk up retail trade.
"For example, in Hobart with rents increasing by 4%, insurance costs putting huge pressure on many businesses, and general inflation running at 2.4%, this is hardly the great news for small business that Peter Gutwein claims," Mr O'Byrne said.
"The truth is that Tasmania's retail growth has been below the national average for the year to the end of September*.
"Treasury's own analysis shows that once inflation is taken into account, retail trade actually declined 0.7% for the year. This was the worst result of all states and territories besides New South Wales.
"It's not surprising Peter Gutwein wants to find something to distract from last week's disastrous revelations about the state budget, but cherry-picking retail data is an insult to hardworking Tasmanian business owners and their employees."
"Small business deserves a Treasurer who is focused on them, rather than trying to score political points."
*2.2% vs 2.4%*
David O'Byrne
Shadow Treasurer
