Hart’s fuzzy answer on tax plan
LABOR Bass MP Ross Hart has been less than convincing in his support for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s pledge to wind back tax cuts for companies with a turnover of $10-$50 million.
But Mr Hart said he supported Mr Shorten as leader and other Tasmanian Labor MPs also rallied.
Speaking to Brian Carlton on LAFM’s Tasmania Talks yesterday, Mr Hart was asked if he supported Mr Shorten’s “Captain’s Call”.
Mr Hart said: “Let’s have a conversation about that at an- other time.”
He declined a number of other chances to support the wind-back of the tax policy.
“Well, do you support his decision or not?” he was asked.
“He has made that announcement, Brian,” Mr Hart said.
Mr Hart said he supported Mr Shorten, who made the announcement without consulting Shadow Cabinet or caucus.
It comes as pressure mounts on Mr Shorten to win all five by-elections, including Braddon in the North-West, or face increased leadership speculation.
Leadership aspirant Anthony Albanese made a speech at the weekend which diverged in several respects from the approach taken by Mr Shorten.
Mr Hart holds the marginal seat of Bass, which has changed between Liberal and Labor seven times since 1993. He is a member of the Left faction, the same as Mr Albanese.
Franklin MP Julie Collins said she 100 per cent backed Mr Shorten.
“He’s a fantastic advocate for Tasmanian schools, hospitals and jobs,” she said.
Ms Collins said she supported Labor’s position on the business taxes.
Lyons MP Brian Mitchell also said Mr Shorten had his support.
Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck called on Braddon Labor candidate Justine Keay to declare her position on the wind-back.
Ms Keay said she backed local business and Mr Shorten.
“That’s why I am co-hosting events next week with the Devonport and Burnie Chambers of Commerce with Bill Shorten as the guest speaker,” she said.