[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Federal govt ducks accountability on Hobart DFO: Greens

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 15 August 2006

Federal govt ducks accountability on Hobart DFO: Greens

Australian Greens transport spokesperson Senator Christine Milne today
condemned the federal government for failing to release a social and
economic impact study of the proposed $100 million Direct Factory Outlet
at Hobart International Airport.

"In Question Time today, Senator Ian Campbell, representing Transport
Minister Warren Truss, treated the Tasmanian community with contempt,"
Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"He refused to give any guarantee to release the social and economic
impact study or to review the planning process which will see the Hobart
International Airport Pty Ltd acting on behalf of the developer both to
assess the submissions and advise the federal minister accordingly. 

"For Senator Campbell to say that Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz leading a
delegation of business people to see the minister is an adequate and
sufficient response is an insult to every Tasmanian.

"What is the government hiding? Why wouldn't the minister say whether or
not Tasmanian businesses would be excluded from the development and
whether it is only for national/multinational chain retailers?

"I challenge Senator Abetz to immediately release the social and
economic impact study of the proposal if he has it and if not, to stand
up for Tasmania and have it released immediately.

"It is time that Senator Abetz gave Tasmanians a straight answer as to
why they are not entitled to see the social and economic impact study of
a development that will cover an area equal to almost nine football
fields, and why they are to be subjected to a biased assessment
process."

The Draft Major Development Plan is open for public comment until 22
September 2006. It can be viewed at www.hobartairpt.com.au 

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562



Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au