Media release – Guy Barnett, Treasurer, 10 November 2024
Exploring investment opportunities for Treasury Building
The Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is facilitating economic growth in our state.
The Tasmanian Government will be seeking proposals through an Expression of Interest Process to explore investment opportunities to repurpose the Treasury Building, commencing early in the new year.
Treasurer Guy Barnett said the Government believed that it was time for the Treasury building to return to the community.
“We know that the buildings are not well suited to office accommodation and they present a unique opportunity for an investor to take advantage of the heritage character of the buildings and their prime location,” the Treasurer said.
“There is significant opportunity for a suitable development at the site which would stimulate investment and create jobs during design, construction and into the future.”
The Government previously commenced an Expressions of Interest process in 2018 but made a decision to close it due to the Government’s priority to support our community and keep Tasmanians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Treasurer said that as part of the Government’s Plan to boost economic growth creating opportunities for development and stimulating growth in our state is a priority.
“We have seen the amazing development at Parliament Square and the Tasman, which has not only preserved the heritage characteristics of the buildings but have made them more accessible to Tasmanians and visitors to enjoy.”
“We know that the Treasury Complex is underutilised and presents a unique opportunity for the right developer to showcase the buildings for the benefit of our economy and our community.”
The EOI process will open in the new year.
(errors corrected)
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Shadow Treasurer, 10 November 2024
Fire sale to prop up busted budget begins with Treasury sale back on the cards
The minority Rockliff Government looks to be preparing for a fire sale of state-owned assets to prop up its busted budget, with the disposal of iconic buildings like Hobart’s Treasury on the cards in return for a financial sugar hit.
The symbolism of a government considering selling its Treasury building to prop up its busted budget is a plotline straight out of a satirical comedy. .
After the monumental stuff-up of the Spirits, this fire sale shows just how badly the Liberals are going.
Under the Liberals, Tasmania has been plunged into record debt and deficit, and all a fire sale of our assets will provide is a short-term sugar hit.
Peter Gutwein said the Treasury building shouldn’t be sold in 2020. Why have the Liberals changed their minds? The only logical answer is the rapidly deteriorating budget.
Selling off valuable government assets potentially has longer-term implications for the budget. If they achieve a fair value sale, any proceeds will be expended on capital costs and other relocation costs, with millions in ongoing leasing costs to house staff in the future.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is lurching from financial crisis to crisis. It’s clear Tasmanians can’t trust them with the purse strings anymore.
Media release – Vica Bayley MP, Greens Treasury spokesperson; Cecily Rosol MP, Greens Heritage spokesperson, 10 November 2024
Liberals Heritage Fire Sale Now On
Comments from Vica Bayley MP
The Liberals’ budget management is on life support. They’ve disposed of their Treasurer and Finance Minister, they are projecting over $8 billion of debt in a few years and now they are looking to flog off the family jewels in the form of our heritage buildings and public spaces.
The proposal to sell the Treasury Building marks the beginning of the fire sale with Tasmania’s GBE’s next in line, all to fund a billion-dollar stadium Tasmania doesn’t need and that nobody wants.
The Greens fought the Hodgman and Gutwein governments attempts to sell the Treasury Building and will take up the fight to the Rockliff governments latest attempt.
Comments from Cecily Rosol MP
Tasmania’s built heritage is globally recognised as are our spiritual and cultural spaces such as the Hobart Cenotaph. That the Liberals would happily sell them out or desecrate them for the sake of a football stadium defies belief.
The Treasury Building belongs to the people of Tasmania and the government’s disingenuous claim they will be returning it to Tasmanians by privatising it is a Trumpian representation of the truth.
When will this government get the message that Tasmanian heritage is part of our identity, our heart and soul, our history, and our future.
Editor’s note: The government’s announcement was sent out at 6am. If you can believe it, by 7:31 and 7:36 on a Sunday morning the following two organisations had statements ready to go supporting the position.
Media release – Master Builders Tasmania, 10 November 2024
Building sector supports Treasury redesign
Master Builders Tasmania supports the plan to repurpose the Treasury building.
Master Builders Tasmania CEO, David Clerk, said it was time the building was given a new lease on life.
“This is a great building and it shouldn’t be locked up for just a few public servants to see,” Mr Clark said.
“This is an opportunity to re-think the use of all the office buildings in the CBD.
“Building more office space will rejuvenate the CBD and bring life to other parts of the city.”
Media release – Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 10 November 2024
Treasury building
The TCCI supports the Government’s plans to repurpose the Treasury building.
TCCI CEO, Micheal Bailey, said it was time the Government used the building for something else.
“The Treasury building is not fit for purpose for office-space and it’s the right time to think about repurposing it,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s a beautiful building, but it needs to be open to the public rather than a few public servants.
“We encourage the Government to consult widely and create something that will connect Tasmanians with their history.”
