Sale of Clarke Training Farm

· Clarke Farm apparently sold privately

· Auction was scheduled for today

· Why was it sold prior to public auction?

During a full day visit to Hellyer Campus today talking to staff and students, I have learned that the Clarke Training Farm has apparently been sold prior to the public auction planned to be held today.

The Clarke Farm, on West Mooreville Road outside Burnie, is owned jointly by the University of Tasmania (51 per cent) and the Tasmanian Polytechnic (49 per cent) and was previously used to teach agricultural and agriculture-related skills.

The sale process was being handled by the Polytechnic.

It concerns me that a sale of a public asset may have taken place before a scheduled auction.

We must know what deal was made, and how was it known that the return would be better than if the Farm was offered at auction.

I also call on the Minister for Education, David Bartlett, to ensure that the proceeds of the sale of Clarke Farm will be quarantined for training in the agricultural sector, given that the fees being charged by the Tasmanian Skills Institute have prevented many Tasmanians from undertaking courses in this field.
Sue Napier MP Shadow Minister for Education