Justine Keay (Braddon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is that time of the year, when we start to receive answers to questions taken on notice during Senate estimates. This year's answer to a question relating to the Cradle Mountain master plan has been telling. The Cradle Mountain master plan is the No. 1 tourism infrastructure project for Tasmania's tourism industry and my region. It is forecast to attract an extra 60,000 visitors a year and inject an additional $30 million a year into the state's economy. During the last election campaign, the federal opposition committed $15 million towards this project; the coalition committed only $1 million, for a feasibility study. We now know part of the reason why. Answers from Senate estimates have shown the Hodgman state Liberal government has not made a single representation to the Commonwealth to have this project funded. Will Hodgman is also Tasmania's tourism minister. What sort of tourism minister won't even stand up for the most important project in his state? It beggars belief that he could be so derelict in his duty. This Liberal Premier and so-called tourism minister has form when it comes to coming to Canberra to see federal Liberal ministers and a Liberal Prime Minister. Will Hodgman: a hero at home but a coward in Canberra.

I know my disappointment will be shared by our local regional authority and Tasmania's peak tourism body. If a Liberal state government that is without a backbone cannot deliver results for Tasmania then it is time for a Labor state government to put Tasmanians first.