Inquiry into New Norfolk Distillery offer 11 December 2023

Labor will move to hold an inquiry into the Government’s offer of $1.2 million to the New Norfolk distillery.

This whole process has had a stench attached to it from day one. The Premier, Minister Barnett nor the then head of State Growth were able to explain to Parliament how or why $1.2 million of taxpayers money was offered to the business.

Yet, when asked about his involvement in supporting the distillery during Parliamentary estimates, Minister Barnett denied any involvement, saying he had nothing to do with either the grant or loan.

However, An email (2 February 2022) shows that the Department of State Growth had serious concerns about the inappropriateness of Minister Barnett’s office asking for “positive consideration” of support to the New Norfolk distillery.

The email states, “Minister Barnett’s office has made representations to request positive consideration of their grant application for their project at Willow Court (which in itself is not an acceptable practice or normal protocol.)”

We’ve seen this on countless occasions over the past ten years including the Sports Rorts scandal with organisations and sporting clubs of family members of the Liberal government receiving state government grants including Madeleine Ogilvie’s daughter’s rowing club provided with a state government grant.

We will be asking the Parliament to support an inquiry into the entire murky mess, particularly as it pertains to Minister Barnett’s involvement.

Notice of Motion

Mr Winter to move-That:-

1. A Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers and records, to inquire into and report upon:
1. The process undertaken to approve a $1.2 million grant for a New Norfolk Distillery;
2. Involvement of members of the Government and their offices in advocacy for the New Norfolk Distillery; and
3. any other matters incidental thereto.

(2) The Members to serve on the Committee shall be four, being:-

(a) one from the Government, nominated by the Leader of the House;

(c) one from the Opposition, nominated by the Leader of the Opposition;

(d) one from the Tasmanian Greens, nominated by the Leader of the Tasmanian Greens; and

(e) one Independent Member, nominated by the Mover.

(3) The Committee shall report by 26 March 2024.

7 December 2023

Dean Winter MP

Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly