Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I appreciate the opportunity to ask some questions of the minister in regard to the portfolio areas, but rather than focusing on the Great Barrier Reef I want to focus on the Antarctic and the importance of that research. It is now not only a major economic driver in Tasmania, in Hobart and the southern region, but there is also Hobart's vision of becoming a gateway to the Antarctic.

The University of Tasmania is the state's major employer. The economic drivers that are stimulated because of the investment that is made in the Antarctic by the federal government should not be overlooked, because they have benefits to local businesses in my electorate. For example, I know that Kerry Vincent, the owner of Rural Solutions at Sorell, has contracts with the Antarctic Division, and Dale Elphinstone manufactures equipment that is used to transport people in the Antarctic. So it benefits not only the research task but also businesses within my electorate.

Indeed, one of the key strengths of the University of Tasmania is its research. There is the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and the foreign students who come to Hobart as a result of the excellence there. Then there are the global partnerships that are established. I really believe it is linked to the brand Tasmania. It provides students from around the state with absolutely high-quality aspirations. It is strategically important to Tasmania and Tasmania's economic prosperity. I note the funding provided by the federal government for Antarctic projects has reinvigorated the economy in Tasmania and delivered jobs and opportunities, as I have mentioned; there are some examples I have given. There was $24 million over three years for the Antarctic Gateway Partnership— (Time expired)

Expenditure agreed to.

Agriculture Portfolio

Proposed expenditure: $463,540,000

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