Independent Braddon MP Craig Garland says he will be abstaining from voting on budget appropriation bills in the House of Assembly because he has grave concerns about the State Government’s priorities.
Mr Garland says he seriously considered voting against the budget because of what he says is under-funding in health and education and his opposition to the Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart.
He says although he’s not happy about State debt levels and the budget, he is still supporting the Government.
He says the Government seems to be ignorant of the financial strain being placed on the state and the budget should have been framed accordingly.
Unlike other independents, Mr Garland hasn’t signed an agreement with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, he has given a verbal assurance he will continue to support the Government.
Meanwhile, Jacqui Lambie Network Member for Lyons, Andrew Jenner, has voted against what he’s described as one of the most highly criticised budgets in Tasmania’s history, which he says will plunge the state into unprecedented debt.
