MP demands inquiry into Macquarie Point misconduct claims

An MP has demanded the release of a report into a government-owned business accused of “bullying, manipulation and emotional abuse”.

AN independent MP has demanded the state government hold an inquiry into claims of bullying and other serious misconduct at the Macquarie Point Development Corporation.

In Question Time in state parliament on Thursday, Member for Clark Kristie Johnston continued to demand answers from the government over claims made about the management of the prime Hobart development site.

“Are you aware that in 2019, the department was formally alerted to accusations of bullying, manipulation and emotional abuse by management towards staff?,” she asked.

“Are you aware of claims that procurement practices at the corporation are manipulated to favour some providers and circumvent Treasurer’s instructions?

“Are you aware of allegations that staff are being pressured to use their personal relationships to unduly influence outcomes that favour the corporation?”

Ms Johnston called on the government to come clean.

“Enough is enough, the veil of secrecy must be lifted from Macquarie Development Corporation,” she said.

“Minister will you release the completed report into the latest bullying allegations prepared on behalf of the Department of State Growth and will your Minister commit to a full, open and transparent inquiry into all the key failings Macquarie Point?”

State Development Minister Guy Barnett said he acknowledged the issues Ms Johnston raised.

“We cannot in this place go into operational matters with respect to matters like that,” he said.

Mr Barnett said he had met the Corporation’s chair Brian Scullin.

“He’s managing the situation,” Mr Barnett said.

“I can’t go into the details because some of those details I am simply not aware.

“But I can say there is a process and that process is important to the appropriate outcome.”

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