Tassie Info

THE Premier has challenged Labor to explain its wages policy after being accused of “bullying” public servants over their pay.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein has used Parliament to make an offer to Tasmanian public servants while unions are locked in negotiations over the next three-year wage agreement.

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Mr Gutwein said the offer was for a 2 per cent annual pay rise, with conditions to remain the same except for the addition of family violence leave.

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In State Parliament this morning, Opposition leader Bryan Green said the Premier was picking a fight with its workforce by “bullying” public servants via Parliament.

Mr Green said it echoed the hardball tactics the Liberals used over the failed public sector pay freeze.

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“Here you go again. Clearly you have learned nothing since your last attack on hardworking teachers, nurses, police and others,” he said.

“How many workers will you have to sack because of your bully boy approach to wage negotiations?”

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Premier Will Hodgman said the Government’s offer was fair and reasonable and would not compromise the State Budget.

Mr Hodgman said Labor criticised the Government’s offer without providing an alternative.

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“What is your position? Have you got one? The magnificent seven were given an opportunity to declare a position, and in unison they could not,” he said.

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Mr Hodgman said the union claim for 2.5 per cent in 2016, followed by 2.75 per cent in 2017 and 3 per cent in 2018 would “wreck” the Budget.

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Mr Green said it was unfair of the Liberals to give themselves a 2.3 per cent pay rise while offering public servants 2 per cent.

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“Why do you and your Liberal colleagues think you’re worth more than the public service?”