The Liberal Government is sending the wrong message to tourists with its cuts to TMAG while leaving 15 Tasmanians without work.
Shadow Tourism Minister Scott Bacon condemned the jobs cuts and said reducing TMAG’s operating hours sent the wrong message to visitors to the state.
“Tasmania has a hard-earned reputation as a destination for art lovers,” Mr Bacon said.
“The Liberals promised to increase visitor numbers to Tasmania but reducing the hours that TMAG operates does nothing to achieve that end.
“TMAG has had a boom in visitors since its upgrade and the Government should be looking at ways to increase visitors further, not close the door on them at 4pm.
“It makes a mockery of their claims that Tasmania is open for business to cut funding to our most popular attraction.”
Shadow Arts Minister Lara Giddings said is disappointing that the Government chose to reduce TMAG opening hours and cut jobs in light of $500 million in election promises.
“Labor helped TMAG become our most popular public attraction, negotiating growing demands on its budget as visitor numbers grew after the redevelopment,” Ms Giddings said.
“The Liberals made $500 million in election promises despite knowing the state of the budget – but it appears they can’t support TMAG or its workers.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Tourism Minister. Lara Giddings MP Shadow Arts Minister
