Peter Gutwein must push strongly at today’s National Cabinet meeting for an extension to the JobKeeper program.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said it is vital for Tasmanian workers affected by COVID-19 and for the state’s economy that JobKeeper be extended beyond September.
“Today’s National Cabinet meeting really is a test of the Premier’s mettle,” Ms White said.
“Peter Gutwein only committed last weekend to fighting to extend the JobKeeper program beyond September.
“With the Prime Minister giving strong indications he has no plans to extend JobKeeper, Mr Gutwein must now stand up and fight for the state’s workers.
There have been thousands of workers supported by the JobKeeper payment who would be facing unemployment without the wage subsidy.
“Significantly, just over 17 per cent of direct and indirect employment in Tasmania is reliant on tourism.
“Now, with the state’s borders shut and no indication of when they might reopen, those jobs are in limbo and affected workers will need ongoing support.
“Without an extension of the JobKeeper there is a real risk of further economic contraction and more job losses.
“There is every indication the Prime Minister is going to play hardball with Tasmania, but the Premier must stand his ground and he must push the Prime Minister strongly on extending JobKeeper.
“Peter Gutwein has talked tough, but he has a poor track record when it comes to lobbying Scott Morrison.
“Those two have history – who could forget Scott Morrison’s reported insult to Peter Gutwein during negotiations over the GST?
“This time, the Premier must take up the fight to the Prime Minister for the sake of Tasmania.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
