WILL HODGMAN

Tuesday 23 June 2009 – Estimates Committee A (Aird) – Part 1
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE A
Mr WILL HODGMAN – In relation to Screen Tasmania firstly, following public reports of concern amongst people within the industry about the processes for determining and applying grants, can you inform the committee of any changes to the processes in place on that front that have occurred within the last financial year?

Mr AIRD – We will be undertaking a review of Screen Tasmania. Part of that review will include the allocation of grants process. My observations, as minister of the process, thus far, is that I think that Screen Tasmania has been in operation for 10 years now and that it is appropriate that we have a review of that. With the advent of National Broadband Network, the opportunities are provided for Screen Tasmania to either concentrate on a few key niche areas where there is a long term, sustainable future or we keep on developing a capacity within Tasmania to support film.
Without being overtly political, the worst thing we ever did was to sell the Tasmanian Film Corporation. It was a policy mistake and really has set back film development in the State, 20 years. What I am trying to do is to see how we can build capacity in film that can see a viable film industry. I am very supportive of the Government’s involvement in screen. Film is a very important part of our culture and Tasmania has some advantages over other areas. It is how we try to exploit those and target areas that are going to be useful.
Mr WILL HODGMAN – So we are clear, a review is being undertaken. Will that cover the processes for –
Mr AIRD – How many have you put out to date?
Mr McKIM – Not as many as the Government, I will bet.
DEPUTY CHAIR – Mr Hodgman has the call.
Mr WILL HODGMAN – Is the review going to encapsulate also an inquiry or investigation into the processes for a grant?
Mr AIRD – It will refer to that. But I want the major focus to be on how we develop opportunities and whether we need to be more specific in how we are providing assistance to the film industry in Tasmania. In terms of the process, yes, I do not mind a reference to that, but in terms of the openness and transparency of the process I think that will stand the scrutiny of any observer of the process.
[12.00 p.m.]
Mr WILL HODGMAN – Are you confident that the processes to date have been adequate?
Mr AIRD – Yes. I have not seen anything I thought was not in the public interest.
Mr WILL HODGMAN – And in terms of accountability with respect to disseminating information about why certain applications are successful over others, including to unsuccessful applicants?
Mr AIRD – I am not aware of the detail of the feedback process to those who are unsuccessful. I would expect there to be information provided to those who are unsuccessful so that they in future can learn from that experience.
Mr WILL HODGMAN – And what about the notion of a higher level of accountability with respect to applicants who had previously been successful and then are successful in a subsequent round? Why is it appropriate that they again receive government support against companies that have not received anything?
Mr AIRD – You have to take it on a case by case basis, do you not? Do not forget that these processes are open to audit, and some people might be more successful than others. This happens in a lot of –
Mr WILL HODGMAN – So who is the audit being done by?
Mr AIRD – The Auditor General, wouldn’t it be?
Mr WATSON – All our processes are covered by potential for the Auditor General. What he actually samples is part of his program. We also have our own internal auditors, KPMG, and they at different times look at different risk areas including this fund. The Screen Tasmania board makes the approvals as a committee under the terms of the Tasmanian Development Act, and all of its approvals are also reported to the Tasmanian Development Board.
Mr WILL HODGMAN – All right, thank you for that.

Will Hodgman MP
Leader of the Opposition
Parliament House
Hobart Tas. 7000
W: www.willhodgman.com.au