Libs’ hip-pocket pitch

TasCOSS welcomes Government focus on cost of living

THE Liberals have continued their transition into election mode in a hip-pocket pitch to Tasmanians, with the Treasurer pledging to keep a lid on government fees and charges.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said that if re-elected, the Government would not allow government-controlled charges to increase above inflation.

Mr Gutwein said the Government had already demonstrated a commitment to keeping the cost of living down, with measures including legislation to cap household power-price rises to about 2 per cent this year.

The planned takeover of TasWater, which will be ultimately decided by the Upper House, has also been promoted as a potential cost-saver for households. “We’ve taken action already to keep power prices low, reduce car-registration cost and fares on the Spirit of Tasmania, and we will address water and sewerage charges with our takeover of TasWater,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We will make sure the cost of government services for things like drivers’ licences, car rego, parks passes and bus fares will be kept at or below the rate of inflation. There will be no new or increased taxes.”

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Kym Goodes welcomed the focus on the cost of living, saying her group would lobby all sides of politics to focus on making life more affordable, particularly for people on low incomes.

“We are really happy to see the cost of living front and centre as we move into an election period,” she said. Ms Goodes said housing affordability had rapidly deteriorated in Tasmania and called for a continued search for solutions.

Shadow treasurer Scott Bacon said Labor also recognised the importance of controlling the cost of living.

But if the Premier was being truthful that he still planned to call an election for March, the Liberals should be more focused on governing now rather than pitching for re-election, he said. “What we have seen from the Government in the last couple of days is they are putting out this 43-point plan and saying [good] government really starts now.

“It does beg the question: What has Will Hodgman and his Government been doing for the last 3½ years?”