Labor calls for transparency over any sale of Treasury building

ANY sale of Hobart’s historic Treasury building should be done through an open process, Labor says.

Old Treasury Building, Murray Street

IF the Liberals are thinking about selling Hobart’s historic Treasury building, they should do it though an open process, Labor says.

The landmark Treasury complex in the city’s centre has been eyed off for years as a prime spot for a development such as a luxury hotel.

In State Parliament last week, Premier Will Hodgman rejected Labor’s assertion that Cabinet had approved a “secret plan” to sell the building.

But the State Government hasn’t ruled out discussions with would-be buyers and under the Liberals’ unsolicited bids framework, such talks can be carried out in secret.

Since the Premier said there had been no decision on a secret sale, the Mercury has asked:

HAS Treasury or the Department of State Growth provided any advice to Government on the sale or lease of the Treasury buildings?

HAS the Coordinator General had any discussions regarding the future of the buildings?

HAS Cabinet given any consideration to selling or leasing the buildings?

A State Government spokesman issued the following response to the questions: “There has been no decision to sell the Treasury building. If that position changes, we will announce that in due course.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said the State Government was obliged to be open about any plans or discussions around selling the buildings.

“The Treasury building is a historically significant heritage structure owned by the people of Tasmania,” Mr Bacon said.

“The Government has an obligation to consult with the public before it starts doing private deals with developers.

“The Premier indicated in Parliament last week there had been no discussions about selling the Treasury building. If that is not true, the Premier needs to explain why he misled Parliament.”

However, any developer interested in a public building or site can initiate a discussion with the Government.

Last November, the State Government announced a framework to allow developers to pitch projects directly without going through a tender process.

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