Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Senator McCarthy. A project for a $20 million cadet facility in Launceston is still at a standstill. Six months ago, I asked in this chamber if a 29 February deadline for the critical land transfer was going to be met. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.

Launceston residents have been left completely in the dark about what's happening with this cadet facility and if the project is still on the table. Minister, can you tell me where the northern cadet facility is at and if the land transfer has finally been completed?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Tyrrell, for your question. I've certainly been reading up on the city deals and I can say that the Australian government is continuing to work with the Tasmanian government and the Tasmanian university in terms of that deal. I will say, Senator Tyrrell, as you're no doubt aware, that relationship between the Tasmanian government and the university is where this issue still lies. Until they sort out, between the two of them, the land tenure, we will still be waiting for that to be built.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Tyrrell, first supplementary?

Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Another good point. This project was first put on the agenda seven years ago and it's still at a stalemate. Lonnie residents keep being told that it's a very complex issue, which you've just highlighted, but we know that bureaucracy is at the heart of the hold-up. What is Labor doing to make sure that this project moves forward in this term of government—because, grown-ups in the room?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Tyrrell. As we know, this did begin under the previous coalition government, in terms of the seven years, and I do know that our minister is certainly working diligently not just with the city deals in Tasmania but right across the country. She's still working very closely in particular with the Tasmanian government to see this move along, and we can certainly—

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We know how hopeless the state government is.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It would be good, President, if senators from Tasmania were perhaps asking this question too.

In fact, you may want to speak to your Premier in Tasmania and ask what is actually going on, Senator Duniam.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Order, senators across the chamber! Senator McCarthy, have you concluded your answer? Thank you. Second supplementary, Senator Tyrrell?

Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I get what you're putting down. The Tasmanian state government and the University of Tasmania have been thorns in the federal government's side on this project—previous and current. At what point will the federal government say, 'Enough is enough,' and give up? And, if this project doesn't go ahead, will the Tasmanian state government and UTAS be to blame?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just want to understand that question. Are you wanting the Australian government to give up?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Tyrrell, just allow the minister to answer.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can certainly assure the senator that we will continue working. We are not giving up.