Scott Bacon quiet on tourism boss Grant Hunt's role with rival organisation

TOURISM Minister Scott Bacon is continuing to dodge questions about the future of Tourism Tasmania.

Scott Bacon

TOURISM Minister Scott Bacon is continuing to dodge questions about the future of Tourism Tasmania.

It was revealed yesterday chairman Grant Hunt had accepted a key role with rival organisation Sunshine Coast Destination Limited.

Despite concerns the Queensland appointment was a conflict of interest, Mr Bacon has declined to confirm whether Mr Hunt will continue to his role with the state's peak marketing body.

However, Mr Bacon said he looked forward to "working with Mr Hunt into the future."

"We are very fortunate to have Grant Hunt as chair of Tourism Tasmania," he said.

"He has led the organisation through a significant period of change and is a leader in his field."

It was the second day in a row the minister declined to confirm Mr Hunt's future with the organisation.

It is understood Mr Hunt's position is due to be reviewed early next year.

The uncertainty comes a week after Tourism Tasmania's stalwart marketing manager, Kath McCann, announced she was jumping ship to work at Wrest Point.

It means the organisation may have to fill two key roles.

Liberal Leader Will Hodgman condemned the minister's response to the issue.

"This is an inadequate, hands-off response from the minister," Mr Hodgman said.

"You can't be the head of two rival tourism bodies, and do both jobs properly.

"Scott Bacon needs to provide some certainty as we head into the peak tourism season."

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it was the Government's job to manage the situation.

"On face value, it wouldn't be the desirable outcome for industry to have the chairman of Tourism Tasmania take such a senior role with another destination," Mr Martin said.

Mr Hunt could not be contacted yesterday.