Under Greens’ questioning in Parliament today, the Premier ruled out either raising taxes or cutting public services to pay for the stadium’s significant annual debt.
It’s not clear what money-tree the Liberals have access to. Unless there is one, the Premier should be honest about what asset sales and public service cuts his government will be making to pay for the stadium.
The stadium will add $2 billion to Tasmania’s debt over a decade. According to the TPC, Tasmanians would end up being taxed some $50 million a year for the next thirty years, or have services cut, to pay off this debt.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission’s assessment was blindingly clear – the stadium should not be built because it would cause a fall in the collective welfare of Tasmanians. This is largely due to the enormous debt, and loss of essential services that would occur to pay it off.
The government’s healthcare, housing, and education services are already overstretched and unable to meet the needs of Tasmanians. The Premier’s plan for at least 2500 public sector cuts will have a devastating impact. Meanwhile, the stadium’s costs are likely to go up substantially before being built.
The Premier needs to be honest with members of Parliament before the stadium order is considered in November. What government services and assets are on the chopping block to pay for the stadium?
