The Giddings (and Greens) Government has again shown callous indifference to the wishes of the voting, tax-paying public with its decision to sell the former Macquarie Street State School/Adult Education Centre buildings in South Hobart rather than let them by used by community organisations.
The decision flies in the face of an obvious need for permanent, affordable accommodation for such organisations, evidenced by the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) efforts to find premises, and its interest, together with that of the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, in the heritage-listed South Hobart buildings as a very suitable base. Both bodies have been supportive of The South Hobart Progress Association Inc’s (SHPA Inc.) campaign to retain these buildings.
The Premier has made it clear that the recommendation for sale came from the Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim. He refused to even have a face-to-face with our organisation on the building’s future, as did his predecessor, Lyn Thorp, and that goes for Ms. Giddings as well. Such refusal by our elected representatives is deplorable.
As the premises have remained empty since the enforced closure of the South Hobart Adult Education Centre by former Premier Bartlett more than two years ago, the sale decision would seem to be motivated purely by the State Government’s parlous financial position, but, we would ask, how much would the sale help.
The Progress Association has had many community organisations interested in using the buildings and has been actively working towards revitalising this essential community asset.
