A clearly embarrassed Michael Ferguson cannot ignore his own words.
Yesterday in Budget Estimates Mr Ferguson said a $5 million cash injection would ensure the Macquarie Point Development Corporation could remain “solvent.”
“It will allow the corporation to carry out, to continue its operations and staff and overheads there…this funding will ensure the corporation can continue to be solvent and do its good work.”
Labor Shadow Treasurer, David O’Byrne, said under the Liberals, Macquarie Point had become a major embarrassment.
“In trying to rewrite his own words yesterday, Mr Ferguson confirmed the Corporation had nearly exhausted the $50 million secured by the former Labor Government, with precious little to show for it,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“Mr Ferguson tried to score a political point by accusing Labor of reallocating $5 million of the original grant. He is right – we provided $5 million to facilitate the Brooke Street Pier development which is a very prominent and successful feature of the Hobart waterfront which stands in stark contrast to anything Michael Ferguson or his government has been able to deliver.
“Does Michael Ferguson oppose the Brooke Street Pier and the opportunities it has unlocked, including improving Mona’s connection with the city?”
David O’Byrne, Shadow Treasurer
