Jeremy Rockliff continues to outdo himself. As if it wasn’t enough the Premier is considering selling off government businesses, now he won’t rule out selling off public land.
In response to questions from the Greens, yesterday Jeremy Rockliff admitted he is considering every government business, except the “golden cow” Hydro, for sale.
Today we followed up, asking if he would rule out the sale of the vast tracts of native forest owned by Sustainable Timber Tasmania, or if he would put a line through privatising the World Heritage Port Arthur historic site. The Premier dodged the question.
It’s scandalous that the Liberals won’t rule out selling off public land in their reckless fire sale to patch up their self made budget deficit.
This prospect is deeply disturbing but perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised given the government’s record of privatisation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, albeit that hasn’t been providing them with rich returns.
Jeremy Rockliff might have his head too far in the sand to realise it, but Tasmanians won’t stand for this. This goes beyond selling off a government business. These are public places, many of which are of significant local importance.
We encourage the Labor party to stand with the Greens and oppose selling off public land as strongly as they are the selling of government businesses.
