Gutwein ‘appalled’ by legal moves

TREASURER Peter Gutwein says he is appalled TasWater spent ratepayer funds on advice regarding the legality of the Government’s planned takeover of the utility.

Mr Gutwein faced questions on how the takeover would work during a Budget estimates hearing yesterday.

The questions came as TasWater chief owners’ representative David Downie released a statement calling on Mr Gutwein to release his legal advice from the Solicitor-General.

The Local Government Association of Tasmania and TasWater have challenged the legality of the plan, saying they have received high-level legal advice the State Government cannot legislate to override the application of the Federal Corporations Act.

Mr Gutwein expressed his displeasure at TasWater’s decision to seek legal advice.

“I was appalled yesterday to see they were spending ratepayers’ money on this [legal advice],” Mr Gutwein said.

In response, Legislative Councillor Mike Gaffney said taxpayers could criticise the Government’s use of funds to advertise the takeover plan.

Northern Midlands Mayor Downie said he did not believe the Treasurer had advice from the Solicitor-General saying the takeover plan was legal.

“The proposed takeover is either illegal, or it is not and Mr Gutwein simply needs to release his advice if he believes it supports his claim,” he said.

Mr Gutwein and Premier Will Hodgman on Monday would not detail the advice they took on the planned takeover.