Tasmania’s sole Jacqui Lambie Network MP has confirmed he will vote against the state budget.
Andrew Jenner said his mind was made up “before the start” of budget estimates, leading to him to skip most of the hearings held this week.
“Saul Eslake, one of the best economists in Australia, gave his assessment on the budget and it is shocking,” he said.
“This is a budget that does not prioritise the needs of Tasmanians, but prioritises Liberal party wants, which is why I cannot vote for it.
He said that the budget would remain the same regardless of how many questions he asked during estimates hearings.
“This is a government that does not respond to criticism,” he said.
While he commended the efforts of Labor, the Greens and some fellow crossbenchers for thoroughly scrutinising the budget, Jenner was critical of other independents, accusing them of “doing the work of Liberal backbenchers”.
“This is pathetic and not what the crossbench is for,” he said.
“One of the several issues I have been dealing with this week is urgent housing for Tasmanians with a disability.”
“Tasmanians with disabilities are well aware that this government would prefer to spend money on a stadium rather than dealing with their issues.”
