A new program touted as cost-of-living relief for Tasmanian families has been put on hold following the call for an early state election.
The Eat Local Stay Local campaign, which would have provided $100 vouchers to tens of thousands of Tasmanian families over the coming weeks, has been suspended until after the poll due to caretaker conventions.
The $10 million tourism voucher scheme was designed to encourage families to support local businesses while giving the tourism and hospitality industry a boost during the traditionally quieter winter months.
The Liberals have blamed Labor Leader Dean Winter for forcing an early election that triggered the delay.
“It is disappointing that Labor’s actions have caused a delay to this family cost-of-living relief program until after the election,” Small Business and Hospitality Minister Jane Howlett said.
“It’s not just a blow to the thousands of Tasmanians who were looking forward to some quality family time, but also to our tourism and hospitality operators and the one in six Tasmanians who work in and benefit from the increased activity through the cold winter months.”
The government has pledged to process the grants “in the first week of a re-elected Liberal government.”
However, Winter has criticised the scheme as “reckless” spending, arguing it would see Tasmanians “pay for other Tasmanians to go out to dinner.”
The Labor leader has indicated his party would not continue with the program if elected, as part of a broader strategy to reduce what he characterises as unnecessary government expenditure.
