Questions have been raised over speedy grant for Speaker’s hometown hall

Speaker Mark Shelton has used his casting vote to avoid being investigated by a committee over a $1m community hall funding grant. DETAILS >>

Speaker Mark Shelton. Question time state parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Speaker Mark Shelton has used his casting vote to avoid being investigated by a committee he is a member of over his role in securing grants from a government he is a member on behalf of a community hall whose committee he is a member of.

Mr Shelton’s involvement in helping the Meander Valley Council raise $1m in state and federal grants to upgrade the Bracknell community hall raised serious questions about transparency and integrity, the Greens say, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor told state parliament on Wednesday.

Mr Shelton, his wife Merrilyn Shelton, son Brent Shelton and his daughter-in-law Olivia Shelton all sit on the Bracknell Hall Committee.

The town of just under 500 people is 30km from Launceston, in the state’s north.

“In July of 2021, Mr Shelton met with the general manager of the Meander Valley Council before receiving a request for state government funding, which was granted in record time without proper process,” the Greens leader told parliament.

Speaker Mark Shelton. Condolence motion in relation to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II by members of the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“All of this occurred without any attempt by Mr Shelton to appropriately avoid, disclose or manage his obvious conflict of interest.

“Premier, do you accept this is a serious matter that goes to public trust, transparency and accountability.”

The code of conduct for Tasmanian members of parliament requires that they take “all reasonable steps to avoid, disclose and manage any conflict of interest that arises, or is

likely to arise, between their personal interests and their official duties”.

Documents released under Right to Information laws reveal that an application from the Meander Valley Council for funding from the Tasmanian Community Fund was refused.

The project was subsequently granted $600,000 by the federal government’s Community Development Grants scheme and $400,000 from the state government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Mr Shelton has done nothing wrong.

“Mr Shelton has every right to engage with the former premier and treasurer about a project that needed funding in his own electorate,” he said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Mr Shelton had done nothing wrong. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Mr Shelton is an active member of his local community … every local member has the right to put forward ideas for the enhancement of their electorate, community organisations, I’ve done the same with many organisations across my electorate.

“I’m advised that both the council and the federal government had committed funding to the project. They were seeking additional funding from the state government to complete the project as well.

“I would encourage all our members … to stand up for their electorate, listen to people when they have a need and act accordingly and appropriately.”

The Liberal Party received 75 per cent of the primary vote in Bracknell booth at last year’s state election.

Mr Shelton used his casting vote to defeat a motion to refer him to Parliament’s Privileges Committee after a vote was tied 12-all in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

He also used his casting vote to defeat a subsequent motion to disallow his vote.

Originally published as Questions have been raised over speedy grant for Speaker’s hometown hall