Government hands over controversial grants winners data

The details of the state’s COVID-19 grants schemes are in the hands of a parliamentary committee — but the government says they won’t be made public.

• Premier slams media on ABC’s Leon Compton show for COVID-19 business grant ‘fatwa’
• Govt won’t reveal ‘highly distressing’ list of businesses who received $26M in pandemic grants

DETAILS of the winners of $26 million in state government business grants have been handed to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee.

After a week of debate about the public release of the grant recipients, Small Business

Minister Sarah Courtney said the list had been provided to the committee — in confidence.

Minister for small business, hospitality and events, Sarah Courtney, in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“The list as had been committed has been provided to the Public Accounts Committee, which is the appropriate scrutiny committee within government so the details of over 20,000 grants have been provided,” she said.

“The advice from the Secretary of State Growth in not releasing these grants publicly pertained to the potential mental health impact but also on competitive factors that may come out of this.

“We don’t want to do anything that’s going to impact businesses even more, it’s been a really difficult time for them.”

Independent state MP Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie yesterday joined calls for the information to be released in the name of transparency.

“The public always has a right to know how public revenue has been spent,” she said.

“I also recall the absolute urgency of the economic action that was needed and delivered.

“By all means publish a list of names, but let’s be reasonable. We live in a small place. It is likely we will all know someone who got some help.

“It has been a heart breaking year for so many people on so many levels. I am confident that the people of Tasmania will treat each other, including all grant recipients, with decency and respect.

David O’Byrne . Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Labor’s David O’Byrne said he remained convinced the information should be made public.

“Everyone understands the hardship that businesses have experienced as a consequence of the pandemic and the recession it’s caused, and there is no shame in seeking support,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“There is no excuse for Peter Gutwein to be anything other than candid with Tasmanian taxpayers and the public, who have a right to know how public funds are spent.

“Lashing out at those who dare to challenge his attempts to conceal these details is a classic case of shooting the messenger.

“By attacking the media, Peter Gutwein is in turn attacking the people of Tasmania.”

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