Collins calls for action on $25 million jobs package

FRANKLIN MHR Julie Collins has called for action on a $25 million jobs and investment package promised to Tasmania during the 2016 election campaign.

The Tasmanian package was one of 10 in regional areas across Australia worth a total of $220 million.

“It has now been more than 18 months since the Turnbull Government first committed this funding and not one dollar has been spent or committed to a project in Tasmania,” she said.

“This is not good enough.”

Ms Collins said Turnbull Government ministry changes from Fiona Nash to Darren Chester and finally to Queensland’s John McVeigh had contributed to the delay.

“With a revolving door of ministers responsible for this funding, it is clear the Turnbull Government has dropped the ball,” she said. “This is particularly disappointing because, when Tasmanian Labor MPs raised concerned about the timeline of the funding in November 2016, the then-minister for regional development, Fiona Nash, dismissed our concerns.

“It shows again just how little the Turnbull Government cares about creating jobs in Tasmania.”

Last year, then-acting regional development minister Darren Chester said the jobs and investment package for Tasmania was going very well.

“We received more than 100 applications, which shows there is demand for this package,” he said.

He said the projects were being assessed by the relevant department and the grants would be rolled out on schedule.

Regional Development Minister John McVeigh was approached for comment.