Labor is urging full disclosure of the state budget outlook, saying at least $180 million in planned spending is yet to be accounted for.
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"It is crucial the government are transparent with Tasmanians on how much they are spending," Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said.
"The land tax changes and the at least $180 million of additional expenditure in the PESRAC Report will have material effects on the budget estimates.
"Tasmanians deserve to know how much money the government is spending and Peter Gutwein must meet the conditions of the Budget Responsibility Act."
Mr O'Byrne said Labor expected state Treasury to issue revised budget estimates within two weeks as required by the Charter of Budget Responsibility Act.
Release of the updated figures would show how much of an extra hole in state finances recent spending commitments in response to the coronavirus economic crisis are expected to create.
The Charter of Budget Responsibility Act was aimed at making sure governments opened the (updated) books in the lead-up to state elections.
A Liberal Party spokesperson said: "Under the provisions of the Charter of Budget Responsibility Act 2007, the Treasury secretary must determine whether a pre-election financial outlook report is required within five business days of the commencement of the election costing period, which is Tuesday, April 6, 2021."
"If the Treasury secretary determines that a pre-election financial outlook report is required, it needs to be prepared within 10 business days of the commencement of the election costing period, which is Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
"What is specifically included in a PEFO is a matter for the Treasury secretary."
PESRAC (the Premier's Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council) recently made 52 recommendations to aid Tasmania's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Gutwein on March 16 said the government would accept them all.
Measures announced that day included:
- converting TasTAFE into a government business enterprise;
- $30 million of low-interest loans to help stalled construction projects proceed;
- incentives for businesses to employ long-term jobseekers;
- $3 million for extra aged care and disability support training;
- $2 million to help jobseekers with the costs of looking for work; and
- free female sanitary products in schools.
"We have faced our darkest hour in Tasmania and we now have the opportunity to start our next chapter, grasping bold new opportunities to stand us in good stead for the future, create jobs and continue to grow the economy," Mr Gutwein said at the time.
"PESRAC's report presents future-focused opportunities and my government has shown it has the courage and decision-making initiative to make that happen."
The election is due on May 1.
Sean Ford
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
