Statements
$16 million can’t become a Liberal re-election fund
The $16 million in Federal Government funding left behind after the Cadbury deal cannot be used for pre-election pork barrelling.
Shadow Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said we have already seen Liberal MPs jostling for position.
“The likes of Andrew Nikolic are eyeing off the $16 million, hoping it can help their re-election chances,” Mr Bacon said.
“That’s not what the money is for. It should strategically benefit the tourism industry and the broader Tasmanian economy.
“Labor backs the tourism industry’s call for it to support regional tourism projects, including on Tasmania’s West Coast.
“And there needs to be some urgency in the process, we can’t afford for the Liberals to sit on their hands until the next election campaign.
“Federal Tourism Minister Andrew Robb needs to give Tasmania some guarantees around the $16 million.
“And Premier Will Hodgman should be applying pressure on his Liberal colleagues to make sure the funding is spent effectively and as soon as possible.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer