Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Minister McCarthy. Recently, Dr Nicholas Gruen, an independent economist, handed down his report on the Macquarie Point precinct, and the results were damning. Dr Gruen's report found that the Macquarie Point precinct project has the hallmarks of mismanagement and that the site selection process was hasty and partial. He found that the project will suffer a massive budget blowout costing more than a billion dollars. But, given the Albanese government has stumped up $240 million of taxpayers' cash for the project, the federal government has skin in the game. Has the federal government reviewed Dr Gruen's report—because, apparently, you do this all on experts—or is the government comfortable with pouring money into a project that has an unrealistic budget, an unrealistic timeline and no social licence from the people of Tasmania?

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

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. What we certainly have an interest in is investing in Tasmania. Our government is very, very proud to invest in Tasmania, in particular in housing and infrastructure. We know that the Australian government is investing not just in the urban renewal precinct at Macquarie Point but in a range of projects announced throughout this term, including most recently the reconstruction of the Clarendon Vale Oval pavilion, revitalisation of Flinders Island Airport, upgrades to local roads to support 600 more homes in South Brighton and the redevelopment of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre in Launceston.

Clearly, having made the arrangement with the Tasmanian government, we expect, like we do with all governments, those governments to then take responsibility for what we provide in terms of our funding arrangements with each state and territory jurisdiction.

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

Senator Lambie, first supplementary?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Dr Gruen's report was followed by economist Saul Eslake's review of Tasmanian finances. Mr Eslake found that Tasmania's debt will be an estimated $16 billion by 2035, the worst in the country. He found that the state's poor financial position was entirely caused by government policies. Is the federal government going to review Saul Eslake's report so that it doesn't prop up the Tasmanian government's reckless decisions?

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

Again, I reject the assertion of reckless decisions in terms of the federal government. We clearly want to support the people of Tasmania in every way possible, and I've already made clear in my previous response that, in regard to any funding agreement between the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian government, it is now for the Tasmanian government to determine the way that funding is spent.

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

Minister McCarthy, please resume your seat. Senator Lambie?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I raise a point of order. I just want to know whether they are going to review Saul Eslake's report. It's a simple question: yes or no.

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

Yes, and your question also went to debt, and I think the minister is being relevant to the question, Senator Lambie, but I'll continue to listen carefully.

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

I have no doubt, Senator Lambie, that you have had meetings with the minister for infrastructure, who I'm sure is very ready and able to have that meeting with you, but can I continue to point out to the Senate that this is a Tasmanian government responsibility.

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

Senator Lambie, second supplementary?

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Wow! Palming it off! Dr Gruen's report recommended renegotiating the timeline with the AFL on parts of the deal. He said: 'It's in the interests of the Tasmanian government and the AFL.' The arrogant Rockliff government rejected this idea. Is the federal government as reckless as the state Liberal government, or is it willing to support a renegotiation of the Macquarie Point precinct without jeopardising the funding it has already provided?

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

The Albanese Labor government is not reckless. We support state and territory jurisdictions in funding, and we certainly do so with the Tasmanian people. For any further questions on this, I would advise you to go to the minister directly.