Labor has ramped up pressure on the state government to release detailed plans for its promised state-owned insurance company, claiming the election pledge lacks substance.
The Liberals went to the July state election with a commitment to establish TasInsure, a government-owned insurance provider aimed at reducing costs for Tasmanian households and small businesses.
Labor leader Josh Willie has pointed the finger at premier Jeremy Rockliff for the lack of publicly available information about the proposal.
“He’s promised the world to small business owners and Tasmanians, but he can’t deliver,” Willie said.
“There’s no business case, there’s no modelling, there’s no costing in terms of Treasury, and there’s serious concerns about the impact to the budget.”
The proposed insurer would cover home, contents, small business, community groups and events , with the government previously suggesting it could save Tasmanians up to $250 a year.
Labor’s Shadow Minister for Small Business Brian Mitchell was more scathing in his assessment of the proposal.
“People know that TasInsure is yet another Liberal promise that just won’t be delivered. The Premier announced it during the election campaign. Full logos, full jackets, full storefront,” Mitchell said.
“It’s an absolute hoax on Tasmanian businesses and Tasmanian businesses deserve better.”
Liberal MLC Nick Duigan defended the government’s commitment to the insurance scheme, promising action within the government’s first 100 days.
“We will see within the first 100 days, legislation to consult on TasInsure. It is a commitment that we have made,” Duigan said.
