The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says it will fiercely oppose any tax increases, as both major parties leave the door open to new revenue measures.
TCCI chair Wayne Davy welcomed Thursday’s inaugural meeting of the government’s budget panel but made clear the business lobby’s red line on taxation.
“The TCCI is absolutely against any tax increases,” he said.
“Both major parties promised not to increase taxes prior to the election and to do so now would be a breach of faith.”
In recent days, Treasurer Eric Abetz and Labor leader Dean Winter have used similar language when discussing potential revenue measures, despite their pre-election commitments.
Abetz acknowledged the government’s minority position, holding just 14 of 35 seats, meant “all options are on the table”.
“Our instinct is not to increase the tax burden on our fellow Tasmanians,” he said. “It stands to reason we have a very strong low tax proposition. That’s sort of part of the DNA of the Liberal Party.”
Labor’s Dean Winter took a similar line, saying his party had “no plans for new taxes”.
“We are going to need to look at revenue and expenditure options,” he said.
The TCCI maintains the focus should be on cutting spending rather than raising revenue.
Davy said the state workforce had expanded by more than 30% between 2016 and 2024 to a “simply unsustainable” level.
He singled out health spending as particularly concerning, claiming money was “being pumped in at an alarming rate with little to no accountability”.
“We are also concerned by the state’s annual $400 million unfunded superannuation liability which we believe needs to be looked at closely as part of budget repair,” Davy said.
“Unfortunately, some politicians, bureaucrats and economists regard business as a cash cow, with no understanding of the importance of business to our community or just how close to the wind many businesses fly.”
