LETTER TO THE TREASURER

Dear Mr Gutwein,

Treasurer, as a consequence of today's council meeting in Launceston the proposition that the City of Launceston has borrowed something in the order of $20Million from the State Government, interest free for five years was contested. By the end of question time the matter was not resolved and:

• The level of debt the next Council will be required to manage was left unclear and ambiguous;
• The circumstances of any debt – and it is clear that Council is in fact indebted to the State Govt. – that too was left unhelpfully unclear and ambiguous.

When ratepayers and residents are being asked to vote for representatives who will manage the city's fiscal position this circumstance is absolutely untenable. The very notion that the discussion that led to this circumstance, something that was negotiated behind closed doors, and seemingly under the provisions of SECTION 62, is far from satisfactory or anything representing accountability. 

Likewise, the lack of transparency ratepayers and residents are able to rely upon appears to be unacceptably low.

Treasurer, I draw your attention to my previous correspondence on this matter and I am now seeking your prompt advice in order that Launceston's residents, ratepayers and other voters can be well and appropriately informed when they vote.

Yours sincerely,

Basil Fitch

Candidate for Mayor & Alderman

City of Launceston Council

Basil Fitch, 5 Waveney Street South Launceston

Basil Fitch fitchbasil2@gmail.com