Missing title spells trouble for Treasury Building sale, Labor says

The state government’s plan to sell-off Hobart’s Treasury Building has hit a hitch with a key document missing, Labor claims.

Former Treasurer Peter Gutwein and former Premier Will Hodgman in front to the Treasury Building in 2018 during a previous sale attempt. Neither subsequently became real estate salesmen. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Plans to sell off Hobart’s two-centuries- old Treasury Building are being hampered because the title to the property can’t be found, Labor claims.

Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said the property could not be sold without a title proving its ownership.

He asked Premier Jeremy Rockliff about the site in House of Assembly question time on Wednesday.

“Can you confirm your plans to sell the Treasury building have hit a roadblock, namely, there is no title for the property and rectifying the issue will require the approval of both Houses of parliament,” he asked.

Labor member for Braddon Shane Broad with Labor member Clark Josh Willie. First sitting day for the house of assembly in the Tasmanian parliament for 2025. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Your budget disaster shows you are not up to running Treasury, are you so incompetent you cannot even sell it?”

In a lengthy answer which went nowhere near addressing the question, Premier Jeremy Rockliff talked about a NAB business survey, accused Labor of being negative and recited information about the sale process until his speaking time expired.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Question time in the Tasmanian house of assembly. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Part of our plan is always trying to continue facilitating opportunities for economic growth and why wouldn’t we?

“Because the Treasury building is part of that. Should someone or an entity purchase the Treasury building, it is an opportunity to use that asset to grow the economy,” he said.

Treasurer Guy Barnett later clarified that a title might not be needed.

Murry St entrance. Tour of the Hobart Treasury Buildings. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“As identified back in 2019, there is no title for the Treasury Building complex,” he said in a statement.

“As the site has not been dealt with previously, it remains unallocated Crown Land.

“A title may not be required, depending on the outcome of the EOI process.

“We will take advice from the Office of the Crown Solicitor and the Recorder of Titles in the event that a title is required.”

The Liberals have made multiple attempts to sell the Treasury building, most notably in 2018.

It has also flagged the possible sale of the Land Titles Office.

The eight heritage-listed buildings in the Franklin Square complex have been in public hands for nearly 200 years having served as the state’s first Supreme Court, a police station and cells, a post office, the executive building and as a tourist bureau.