Jeremy Rockliff
The Liberal Party has called on Premier Lara Giddings to denounce a new Labor campaign that includes a comparison between the state opposition and apartheid-era South Africa.
Yesterday the Australian Labor Party Tasmanian branch launched two 16-second television advertisements highlighting a statement on the Liberal Party's website reading: ''The state need not, and could not afford to, look after everyone.''
''Local mum'' Mel Walsh is featured in one ad and on the Labor website describes living in apartheid-era South Africa.
''I saw firsthand what it is like to live somewhere where social justice, equality, opportunity and a fair go for all are not an integral part of the government's agenda,'' Ms Walsh said.
''That's why I could never vote for a party that places the rights of the individual above the well-being of the whole.''
Liberal deputy leader Jeremy Rockliff said the comment was desperate and offensive.
''Ms Giddings should condemn this despicable attack, and demand that the ads be scrapped,'' Mr Rockliff said.
ALP Tasmanian branch president Rebecca White called on Liberal Leader Will Hodgman to explain which Tasmanians would be left behind under a Liberal-led government.
The ALP ads follow an advertising blitz from the Liberal Party earlier this year promoting its ''plan for a brighter future''.