Treasury’s shocking Pre-Election Outlook was clear – the Liberals’ business as usual is terrible for Tasmania’s finances, and Labor’s plan won’t make a meaningful difference. The Greens have known this for some time, which is why we’ve been calling for corporates to pay their fair share.
In the face of an ever-worsening budget situation, the major parties are living in a dream world. On one hand, the Liberals are pretending there’s nothing to worry about and they have it in hand. On the other, Labor recognises there’s a huge problem, but won’t consider obvious solutions.
To the Liberal and Labor politicians who refuse to act on the budget situation, we’d say this: better call Saul. Our plan to tackle the budget mess is based on the expert advice of pre-eminent economist, Saul Eslake. He’s pointed out a number of budget fixes, if only the major parties would listen.
The Greens recognise Treasury’s clear call for new revenue. By making mining and salmon farming corporations pay their fair share, and ending subsidies to the greyhound racing industry, Tasmania would be more than $500 million better off. This is obvious and simple stuff, and it would make a real difference.
When we first announced these measures years ago, the Liberals and Labor called us kooky. Now both Treasury and Saul Eslake have made it clear this is not just common-sense, but necessary.
The Liberals have spent a decade giving their corporate mates a free ride, instead of getting them to pay their fair share. And while Labor keep banging on about the terrible budget, they’re not offering any meaningful solutions. Critically, both major parties are still committed to building a billion-dollar stadium in Hobart – a plan that will add $2 billion to the state’s debt.
The budget is important for all Tasmanians because essential services like health, housing and public transport need to be paid for. The Liberal and Labor parties need to get their priorities sorted, make big corporations pay their fair share, and focus on making sure the state budget can meet the needs of our community.
