The Preliminary Outcomes Report showing a budget deficit of $1.5 billion is further proof that the Liberal-Lambie Coalition have completely lost control of the budget.

With a budget deficit closer to two billion than one, and record net debt of $3.5 billion, there really is no way for Treasurer Ferguson and the Liberals to spin what a disaster this budget is.

Yes, it is very important that we fund the Commission of Inquiry redress and implementation, but it only accounts for around half of the budget blowout. It is appalling that Treasurer Ferguson it is using this as a screen for his incompetent budget management.

Tasmanians will be rightly wondering why they have nothing to show for this budget mismanagement. Except for an economy that is flatlining, public services at breaking point, and planeloads of working age Tasmanians leaving the state for better opportunities elsewhere.

Our health system is falling apart, education outcomes are lagging the nation, we are in the middle of a housing crisis and crucial infrastructure projects like the Spirits are significantly delayed and outrageously over budget.

The budget deficit is now nearly five times worse than at the height of COVID. Tasmania can’t afford the Liberal-Lambie Coalition. 

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer