There have been claims of bullying and abuse at the Macquarie Point Development Corporation

The Macquarie Point Development Corporation’s culture and spending habits have been scrutinised in state budget estimates. See what they’ve spent. >>>

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THE jam-packed social calendar of the Macquarie Point Development Corporation has been aired in parliament, with the government confirming a review into “operational matters” within the organisation.

Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston had called for an inquiry into claims of bullying and other serious misconduct at the Corporation.

During a state budget estimates hearing State Development Minister Guy Barnett confirmed a review was underway.

“A number of the operational matters have been raised in the parliament, which I acknowledge, specifically by the Member for Clark Ms Johnston,” Mr Barnett said.

Kristie Johnston Independent member for Clark. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Johnston welcomed the review.

“The Minister said that the inquiry would be conducted by “independent internal auditors”, so forgive me if I feel a little nervous when I see the words “independent” and “internal” in the same sentence,” she said.

“But I am prepared to take the Minister on his word and am grateful he has agreed to this step.”

Labor Leader Rebecca White Picture: Linda Higginson

Also during the hearing Opposition leader Rebecca White raised aspects of the Corporation’s spending.

“Can you confirm since its inception that Macquarie Point Development Corporation has spent approximately $600,000 on advertising and promotion, it has spent roughly $800,000 on travel and $200,000 on augmented reality services?” Ms White said.

Mr Barnett said he did not have details of the spending in front of him.

Ms White also queried whether activities detailed on the Corporation’s gifts register were appropriate.

“The MPDC’s gift register includes a range of gifts accepted by the organisation including nearly $1000 worth of tickets to the Ginuary festival, several lunches and dinners with the Property Council – the CEO’s former employer. Drinks with the TSO, tickets to comedy events, a Christmas lunch with a real estate company awarded a $75,000 contract just months earlier, tickets to a beer and blues festival, a sailing event, 10 tickets to Dark Mofo’s winter feast, an opening of a bar and venue space, tickets to the football grand final lunch and tickets to the Hobart international tennis...the question to you is how is any of this core business to the Macquarie Point Development Corporation?” Ms White said.

Mr Barnett said the same rules applied to the Corporation as applied to the rest of the state service.

“It must conduct itself in accordable with those relevant statutory requirements,” he said.

One of the concept images developed for the Macquarie Point site.