Disappointing decision on Local Government

Tasmanian Labor

· Local Government left out of Job Keeper package

· Essential jobs need to be protected

· State Government must step in

Today’s decision by the Federal Government to deny Local Government access to the Job Keeper package is deeply disappointing and inequitable.

“The Federal Government has turned its back on Local Government employees and the essential services they provide,” Labor Shadow Minister for Local Government, Anita Dow said.

“Council run services like swimming pools, child care centres and museums have had to close as a result of coronavirus. If these services were run by the private sector they would attract Federal Government support. It is fundamentally inequitable that these workers do not qualify for Job Keeper payments.

“This issue cannot be ignored and the State Government must now step up to ensure that jobs are protected.

“Local Government is an important partner with other levels of Government in the immediate economic and community response to this crisis and will play a critical role in local economic and community recovery.

“Now more than ever it is important for the State Government to work with and support Local Councils.

“Labor will support any measures the State Government puts in place to ensure that no jobs or essential services are lost in Local Government.”

Anita Dow MP

Shadow Minister for Local Government

/Public Release. View in full here.