Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said Labor welcomed today’s improvement in the budget and debt position, but noted the improvement is almost entirely due to increased GST receipts and the Government’s failure to deliver its infrastructure promises.
“Today’s report shows the Liberals will under-deliver on their infrastructure promises by nearly $600 million,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“That means hundreds of families won’t be housed this winter, run down schools won’t be fixed, hospitals will still be in crisis and traffic will be as bad as ever.
“The report also shows there is absolutely no room for complacency.”
Mr O’Byrne said Tasmania’s economic recovery remains fragile, with the latest Deloitte forecasts expecting over next four years Tasmania will have the lowest economic growth of any state, business investment growth just a third of the national rate and a low per capita GSP, which will fall from 79.2% to 78.3% of the national average.
“On top of that, today’s ABS jobs figures show Tasmania has experienced the lowest jobs growth of any state over the past year, 70% below the national average and half the growth seen in Victoria.
“Tasmania needs Labor’s ambitious plan for jobs, health, housing and education, and a Government that will deliver the infrastructure Tasmania needs and was promised.
“Only Labor is working for Tasmanians to deliver better economic outcomes.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
