Elise Archer MP

Premier David Bartlett has today reiterated that he is comfortable with secrecy and back-room deals, confirming in State Parliament that he failed to follow specific tender processes for the Princes Wharf Number 2 building.

This is just another example of a special deal, made with no genuine consideration for the people of Tasmania, and no consideration for other legitimate tenders for Hobart’s prime real estate.

Mr Bartlett has blatantly undermined the commercial value of the waterfront, once again showing that he is happy to pick and choose when he feels like using transparent process.

Only 18 months ago, the Premier released a statement that said extensive public consultation would be a prerequisite for developments on the Hobart Waterfront, yet last week it emerged that Mr Bartlett had handed over the PW2 building to the University in yet another deal signed behind closed doors.

Why was Mr Bartlett not able to provide the same public tender process for this asset as he was for the Parliament Square development?

This is further evidence of the numerous broken promises that continue to emerge from Mr Bartlett’s shaky Labor-Green Government.

Despite Labor being joined by the allegedly transparent Greens, Mr Bartlett is still unable to follow proper process, and special deals remain the order of the day.

Elise Archer MP
Shadow Minister for Planning
Tuesday, 24 August 2010