Ms BURNET question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
The Spirits debacle has easily been the biggest infrastructure mess Tasmania has seen. It has not just been the failure to deliver that has been a problem, it has been the secrecy, the cover‑ups, and the lack of transparency. We have already seen those hallmarks in your approach to the Macquarie Point Stadium project. The deliberate refusal to answer questions, and reluctance to provide basic information about this project to Tasmanians reached new levels in budget Estimates. You continue to mislead and obfuscate over the true cost of the project.
We have seen in the Spirits saga that this parliament will not tolerate incompetence and secrecy. Have you learned from this lesson? Will you commit to proactively releasing all cost information about this project and the supporting projects integral to the delivery of the Macquarie Point Stadium project as soon as they become available?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for your question. I believe there was acknowledgement in the question of Macquarie Wharf berth 6, of which I am very pleased, given that Western Australia were going to pinch our Antarctic port. We did not let that happen. We would not let that happen. We have secured a deal for Tasmania, the enormous economic opportunity for the next 30 years as being the Antarctic gateway to Tasmania, with a $188 million commitment from the federal government.
We are also very pleased that the federal government is supporting the Macquarie Point Renewal Precinct and our stadia project. I will sum up the answer to your question this way: I cannot think of a project – maybe the pulp mill in 2006‑08 – that has been so thoroughly scrutinised. It has been through Public Accounts Committee, budget Estimates, questions, with the Macquarie Point Development Corporation in front of budget Estimates and Public Accounts Committee. This is the most thoroughly scrutinised project that I can remember. We expect it to continue to be thoroughly scrutinised when it comes to the Project of State Significance (POSS) process, and other matters relating to the Macquarie Point Renewal Project and Precinct.
The answer is yes. We have nothing to hide when it comes to this project. It has been thoroughly scrutinised. It will continue to be thoroughly scrutinised. Importantly, we will also get this project done. I know the Greens will never support it. You have been consistent in that. But gee, you risk losing a huge opportunity for Tasmania, should your view come to fruition. It is thousands of jobs, killing the aspiration of our young boys and girls who want to play for the Tasmanian Devils. It will be –
Mr Bayley – You need a plan B, Premier.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Sorry?
Mr Bayley – You need a plan B. What happens if the Tasmanian Planning Commission knocks it off?
The SPEAKER – The deputy leader and the Premier are both welcome to go outside and continue their chat. I have no problem asking people to leave any more.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Quite rightly, the project is going to be thoroughly scrutinised. However, people outside looking in cannot believe that the Greens and others would prefer a sewerage works and a wasteland over a huge economic opportunity such as this.
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time has expired.
