PREMIER David Bartlett has been accused of using the Government’s Hawthorn sponsorship to veto a Liberal party event.
Brooksy’s Walk for a Healthier Braddon, organised by Liberal Braddon candidate Adam Brooks, was include Hawthorn stars Grant Birchall and Campbell Brown, as well as coach Alistair Clarkson.
However, multiple sources have told the Mercury that Mr Bartlett’s office contacted the Hawthorn football club yesterday demanding that they withdraw their support.
It is understood he did not want the Liberal Party to benefit from good publicity generated by the event and used the Government’s multi-million dollar sponsorship deal as leverage.
Just last week Mr Bartlett organised his own good news event with Hawthorn players while launching the Hawk’s 2010 season.
One Devonport resident said the Premier’s selfish actions had denied kids the rare chance of meeting their football heroes.
“The people of Tasmania sponsor the Hawks, not the bloody ALP!” the source said.
The walk to the Devonport Bluff will still take place this Sunday, leaving from the Devonport Mall at 10am.
It will include Former North Melbourne star and AFL TV commentator Leigh Colbert.
