Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before the suspension I was saying there's also $30 million to develop the Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct at the Australian Maritime College. Launceston has long been considered a hub of excellence in maritime engineering and innovation. This new precinct will foster maritime-specific solutions as well as a broad range of science and technology capabilities, drawing academics from across the country to support defence science and technology.

On a much smaller scale, but vitally important to local schools, has been the Greater Launceston Transformation Project, providing 600 Internet of Things kits to 40 schools across the region, inspiring our children to engage in the ever-growing technology fields. I visited Invermay Primary School late last year to see the kits in action, and what these children can come up with is incredible.

It's important to point out that Labor made a lot of noise about the progress of the $15 million northern suburbs hub during the last term, notwithstanding the fact that they had only committed half the funding to the project. The handover of ownership from the council to the state government plus key environmental testing at the site did cause some delays. Now, six months after the federal election, I'm curious to know what gains Labor has made in progressing this important infrastructure project that also sits under the Launceston City Deal.

Northern Tasmania is flourishing, and initiatives like the Launceston City Deal are cementing the region as a desirable place for people to live and work, and for families to establish themselves in the region long-term. It has proven to me to be a collaborative model that works between all levels of government, and I want to see Labor back it in and demonstrate their continued support for a better Bass.

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