Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Treasurer

Sunday 6th June 2010

TCCI Backs Liberals Call for Immediate Review of Water and Sewerage

The TCCI's backing of the State Liberals policy for an immediate review of the Government's flawed water and sewerage reforms is a welcome endorsement. These reforms have created four corporations including the common services corporation Onstream, which whilst subsidised by the Tasmanian taxpayer is now openly competing for business against already established Tasmanian businesses in the areas of business planning, media marketing and financial advice, IT services and secretarial services. Not only are Tasmanians paying higher prices for the delivery of basic water and sewerage services, the State Government is subsidising the corporations up to 2011/12 to the tune of nearly $60 million whilst the common services corporation openly attacks already established Tasmanian firms and uses taxpayers money to do so. An immediate review is necessary and the Treasurer must not allow this disgraceful set of circumstances to continue as ultimately it will cost Tasmanian businesses revenue and jobs.

The TCCI understand this and I am pleased that Tasmania's peak business lobby group has thrown its weight behind our call for an immediate review of the Governments water and sewerage structure. TCCI statement is on link attached: http://www.tasmanianbusinessreporter.com.au/2010/06/03/government-must-review-water-business/317

The Onstream website outlining their business services is available here: http://www.onstream.com.au/about.html