Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. As the honourable member knows, my government is delivering for Tasmania. In terms of city deals, two months ago we signed a historic city deal agreement for Launceston. That was signed with the Premier and the Mayor of Launceston, demonstrating what can be done when all three levels of government come together. The centrepiece is a $260 million investment to move the University of Tasmania's main Launceston campus into the city centre. It is about much more than simply building a campus. It coincides with the city's heart-of-the-city redevelopment. It is about putting a new vibrancy into the centre of Launceston and will position it as one of Australia's most livable and innovative regional cities. It will boost the local economy by $360 million a year, creating over 2,700 new jobs.

So I can understand why the honourable member, who hails from Hobart, is keen to have a city deal in Hobart. I can understand that, and I have discussed it with the Premier. I can assure the honourable member that we would look forward to a city deal for Hobart, but we obviously need to work with the state and local governments. But we have demonstrated right around the country an enthusiasm for city deals. Of course, we have the Western Sydney City Deal and the Townsville City Deal, and there will be many others as we roll them out. Any plan would seek to maximise the opportunities for investment, jobs and growth from our significant infrastructure commitments—

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