Three Amigos spectacular fail in getting Tasmania’s fair share from Regions Fund

Tasmanians have been spectacularly abandoned by Canberra and their local federal representatives who have failed to secure the state’s fair share of funding in the latest round of the National Stronger Regions Fund.

Opposition Leader Bryan Green said the fact that just three projects with a combined grants value of less than $800,000 had been awarded to Tasmania was an endorsement of the ineffectiveness of MPs Brett Whiteley, Eric Hutchinson and Andrew Nikolic.

“This trio were entrusted to get the best deal for Tasmania and yet again they have failed – this time dismally,” Mr Green said.

“The Three Amigos managed to get one project each across the line and that’s disgraceful weighed against what has been awarded to other states.
“When you look at Tasmania’s high youth unemployment rate, it’s critical we get projects funded and off the ground to create jobs and help boost the local economy.
“Yet, along with the Three Amigos, the Premier’s much-touted Coordinator-General has so far been completely ineffective in making this happen.

“Mr Whiteley, Mr Hutchinson and Mr Nikolic – who are supposedly in the privileged position of having the ear of their leaders in Canberra – can get nowhere near achieving a fair share for this state.

“It’s also very telling that the projects awarded funding so far have all been in the state’s north while there has been nothing for the south.”

Of the $505 million so far allocated around the country from the National Stronger Regions Fund, Tasmania has so far secured just $12 million.

Among the projects which missed out on funding were the redevelopment of the Kingston High School site and Triabunna’s Solis resort and housing project.

“That is a damning indictment on not only the performance of these three MPs, but highlights the obvious lack of esteem in which Tasmania is held by the Turnbull Government,” Mr Green said.

“Tasmanians are right to be outraged that their local representatives and their Prime Minister have failed them so atrociously.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader