Gutwein’s opening serve

TREASURER Peter Gutwein has labelled Labor “out of touch” after the announcement that David O’Byrne will take over as Opposition treasury spokesman.

The appointment of Mr O’Byrne in his new role, along with the responsibility of the racing portfolio, was outlined in a number of changes for Labor by leader Rebecca White.

The changes were prompted by the resignation of Scott Bacon last month. He was replaced by former Labor MP and now independent Madeline Ogilvie for his seat in the electorate of Clark. Mr Gutwein criticised Labor and its appointment of Mr O’Byrne as treasury spokesman.

“Labor’s reheating of the former, failed economic development minister David O’Byrne as shadow Treasurer demonstrates just how out of touch they remain on Tasmania’s economy,” Mr Gutwein said. “Tasmanians will not forget that under David O’Byrne’s economic stewardship, 10,000 Tasmanians lost their jobs, our state was driven into recession, and people were fleeing for the mainland.

“David O’Byrne cannot be believed until he commits to producing an alternative budget each and every year.”

Mr O’Byrne hit back at Mr Gutwein and the State Government, suggesting Tasmania was far from the golden age that Mr Gutwein promised.

“Peter Gutwein’s shameless spin and self-confidence can’t paper over the fact that more than 5000 full-time jobs have been destroyed over the past 12 months,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“The Liberals are driving the budget into $1.1 billion in debt and their only answer is to cut jobs and cut services. And to make matters worse, Peter Gutwein doesn’t even have the courage to tell Tasmanians where these cuts are coming from and what services will be impacted.”