The coalition has again criticised Labor for throwing unfunded money at problems after the opposition announced $75 million for a new water treatment plant, guaranteeing clean drinking water for Launceston.
The ALP's deputy leader Tanya Plibersek made the pledge during a visit to the north Tasmanian city on Thursday, where some residents are unable to drink tap water because it is deemed unsafe.
Infrastructure has been unable to keep up with population growth and in some cases raw sewage is flowing into an estuary.
"The federal and state Liberal governments' failure to act is putting our environment and the safety of Tasmanian communities at risk," Ms Plibersek said.
If Labor takes office in Canberra the $75 million will go towards building a new treatment plant to supply clean water across the city.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
It will require a co-investment from the state government.
But Liberal senator Eric Abetz has questioned where the money will come from for Labor's promise.
"Today we've had $75 million thrown at a problem. Labor's approach is to spend first and ask questions later," he said.
In the campaign to date Labor has announced $1.2 billion worth of spending in Tasmania alone, Senator Abetz said.
The spend-list includes $500 million for a second Bass Strait electricity cable.
