Secrecy rules for projects under fire

A GOVERNMENT gag on developers spruiking projects in national parks was a recipe for “corruption and cronyism”, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor says.

The second round of the State Government’s Expressions of Interest process is under way, with applications closing in December.

Under the conditions of the applications, the Government demands secrecy from developers.

“The applicant must not make any public disclosure or statement in relation to or about its EOI Submission without the prior written approval of the minister,” the conditions read.

In addition, all documents lodged under the process are automatically deemed commercial-in-confidence and thus exempt from disclosure under the state’s Right to Information laws.

Ms O’Connor said the secrecy demand was extraordinary.

“Set up to exploit once-protected public Tasmanian Wilderness areas, the Liberals’ EOI process binds would-be developers to silence,” she said.

Under the first round, 25 projects have been assessed, with the majority currently under negotiation.

Little detail other than a short “project brief” is available for most of the projects.

Ms O’Connor said the entire EOI process was dubious.

“The Liberals place a far higher priority on the interests of private developers than they do on the public interest and right to know. This is a highly improper process and it stinks to high heaven.

“It has all the ingredients necessary to foster a culture of corruption and cronyism between government and business.

“What is it that the Liberals find so hard to comprehend about the need for maximum transparency and good governance when they are dealing in public assets?

A government spokesman rejected Ms O’Connor’s concerns.

“The Greens hypocrisy is breathtaking. For years they kept telling us that Tasmania’s future was in tourism, yet now whenever there is any proposal for sensitive and appropriate tourism development, all we hear are their cries opposing such things,” he said.