It has been revealed today that the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) stands to be one of the biggest winners of the Tasmanian state election with an obscene $6.8 million-dollar post-election gift. This comes as the community continues to express deep concern about the extent and origin of political donations to the Liberal Party during the election campaign.
This is another secret deal that provides money to the Liberal Governments mates and supporters. The amount of money offered to the THA is outrageous and cant be justified. This announcement comes on top of significant community concern about the unknown amount of money big business poured into Tasmania to get the Liberals elected. The THA must have provided a massive amount of support if this is to be the payoff, said Jessica Munday, Secretary of Unions Tasmania.
Unions Tasmania has questioned where the investment and commitment is to supporting working people and their families.
Recently, we have seen shocking cases of wage theft in Tasmania. A years long investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman exposed systematic exploitation of contract cleaners in Woolworths Tasmanian stores. A Hobart restaurant was forced to repay $19,000 in November to a worker who was grossly underpaid. Where is the investment for campaigns that seek to educate workers and employers on their rights and obligations? Where is the commitment to look into wage theft in Tasmania? said Ms Munday.
Where is the commitment to improving the safety of Tasmanians at work with new laws like industrial manslaughter? Support for working people is just not there.
Unions Tasmania asked the Liberal Party in the lead up to the State Election how their policies would help deliver better jobs and address key issues including low wage growth, underemployment and casualisation. Will Hodgman refused to answer.
This policy announcement is a disgrace. My simple question is this: how much money did Will Hodgman and the Liberals receive from the THA? said Ms Munday.
Tasmanian workers are right to express their concerns that the Hodgman Liberal Government continues to put the interests of big business ahead of Tasmanian working families.
For further information: Jessica Munday 0417 454 809
Liberal mates rewarded with $6.8 million-dollar post-election windfall.pdf
