Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Treasurer

Wednesday 10th March 2010

Labor acting like fiscal vandals

The latest update of the TCCI’s Spendometer shows Labor has so far made $443.8 million in election promises.

Spending this much would inevitably drag Tasmania into net debt and lead to a credit rating downgrade.

The Greens have been even more irresponsible. The TCCI’s Spendometer shows their spending has hit an incredible $527.2 million.

By contrast the Liberals have made election commitments totalling $306 million – $137.8 million less than Labor.

Source: Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The TCCI’s Spendometer is regarded by all Parties as the most accurate gauge of election spending commitments because the Parties themselves supply the data.

As the election gets closer Labor is throwing around more and more money in its attempts to cling to power.

The greatest danger to Tasmania lies in the possibility of a Labor/Green minority Government.

If both parties insisted on implementing all the things they’ve promised, Tasmanian taxpayers would be hit with bills totalling almost $1000 million dollars.

Tasmania would become an economic basket case.

The only Party to demonstrate fiscal discipline in this campaign has been the Liberal Party.

Only a majority Hodgman Liberal Government has the fiscal discipline to deliver the real change that the Tasmanian economy needs. Only a majority Hodgman Liberal Government will steer Tasmania clear of net debt and a credit downgrade.

The TCCI Spendometer can be found at www.spendometer.com.au