Yesterday – noticeably without the customary accompanying statement filled with spin from the Treasurer – Treasury published the March budget update.

It was extremely telling that while Michael Ferguson did have time to cry foul over the Federal budget, he didn’t have a word to say about the state’s own finances.

The report showed that Tasmania is on track for the worst budget deficit in the state’s history. In the first nine months of the year the Liberals have already racked up an operating deficit of nearly $600 million.

That’s five times worse than the deficit at this point last year, and on track to be more than double the deficits incurred at the height of COVID.

Today, the Premier wouldn’t rule out job cuts to account for his budget disaster.

It’s clear Mr Rockliff and Mr Ferguson know their budget is seriously compromised – why won’t they come clean to Tasmanians about the true extent of the financial trouble they’ve landed us in?

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer