Ms BADGER question to ACTING MINISTER for SKILLS and JOBS, Mr BARNETT
[10.42 a.m.]
I note that the word ‘training’ was dropped from this title, just as training has been dropped from TAFE.
After the incident at TasTAFE’s automotive training facility in Campbell Street, the process of finding a replacement location was done behind closed doors. Alternative sites were considered before an agreement was reached with the TACC to provide a $2.35 million publicly funded fit out of what seems to be a privately owned site in Cambridge. There was no public tender or transparent oversight of the procurement process for this decision. What is the total cost to the public for leasing this site and what is being spent on the fit out in total now and into the future? Given the government is spending public money on developing what seems to be a privately held site, can you tell us exactly who owns this facility?
ANSWER
As the minister taking responsibility for the Minister for Skills and Jobs today, I’ll do my best in terms of responding to the question you’ve asked, and if we need to follow up I’ll give you a heads-up on that.
I know you’ve asked questions about this before to the relevant minister, but the latest advice I have is that following the sudden closure of the automotive training facility at TasTAFE’s Campbell Street campus due to the burst water main, we’ve been working closely with TasTAFE and industry to deliver a practical solution to continue automotive training delivery in the south of the state. TasTAFE has leased a property located at Cambridge that will be a fit-for-purpose training facility for automotive. The TasTAFE facility at Cambridge is currently being fitted out for automotive training, with completion expected by the end of March and occupancy expected in April this year, so the timeframe is updated.
In terms of an update, the advice I have is that the partnership between TasTAFE and the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce has secured a long-term lease on a new $2.35 million purpose-built automotive training centre in Cambridge. Once interior fit-out is complete, the centre will offer an industry-aligned automotive training environment, including an automotive workshop, industry-standard space with seven hoists, tyre-fitting and balancing areas, and a layout that mirrors professional service centres; teaching spaces, including three flexible classrooms equipped with AV technology and adaptable furniture for varied teaching styles; amenities, such as modern all-gender facilities, student and staff breakout areas, kitchenettes and dedicated office space; storage, including mezzanine level storage and secure containment for flammable and hazardous materials; and for accessibility and safety, clear pedestrian and vehicle access, 47 parking spaces, and a site layout designed for operational efficiency and advice. I’m also advised that the TasTAFE facility at Cambridge is under construction, and as I’ve indicated, on track for completion and fit-out in April.
As the minister outlined yesterday, this is consistent with the government’s policy. We’re investing in TasTAFE and the operations of TasTAFE, and capital investment in TasTAFE is more than $100 million. The minister has been very pleased and proud to alert the parliament and the public of these important investments.
Supplementary Question
Ms BADGER – Thank you, Deputy Premier, for the information that you have. Can you take on notice and provide to us today the total cost to the public of leasing the site and the total of what’s being fitted out, in addition to who owns the facility/site. That would be great. Off your answer, you said that the fit-out would be completed by March, which has passed, and that the students would be in by April, which is now. Are they in? I assume the planning issues are fixed with this site, given the planning zone didn’t permit for a training facility where this one was built.
Mr BARNETT – I thank the honourable member for her question. On reflection, I recall you requesting a very swift response in terms of the matters, and I think the minister and TasTAFE have been very diligent in their efforts. Here we are in April, and the advice I have is that occupancy is expected in April and we’re only partway through April. It is the 15th today, the 14th was my wedding anniversary, and thank you for the messages of congratulations.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Relevance.
Mr BARNETT – We’re about halfway through April, which is a very special month for me. I have mentioned that there’s a leasing arrangement in place, and if I’ve got anything further to add, I’ll be more than happy to do so.
