Labor stand for jobs and I want to see our state grow. I want more housing and better education outcomes.
I make no apologies for backing a $500 million science and technology facility and 2,000 new homes. I support the university’s other developments too. The $131 million Forestry Building will be an incredible place to learn. The Shed in Launceston will support thousands of students.
The fact is, by the time the new Forestry Building is completed UTAS will have invested $700 million into new education facilities. Two thirds of the university’s staff and students will be in the city. Why would anyone oppose developing its vacant land for housing, and using the proceeds to fund another world-class science and technology centre?
The usual suspects are the ones opposing these developments. Greg Barns and the “Save” UTAS group want the university to retreat from its $700 million education investment and go back into its shell at Sandy Bay. They’ve been upfront that they don’t want $500 million worth of new science and technology facilities either.
“Save” UTAS represents the same mindset that continues to hold our state back – and these are the people who Jeremy Rockliff is now teamed up with. They have been emboldened by the Premier’s plan because they know his plan means ‘no’ to 2,000 new homes and ‘no’ to a $500 million science and technology facility.
We need a state government with conviction to lead and sell the benefits of positive change. Five thousand jobs have been lost since Jeremy Rockliff led his Government into minority and Tasmania has tumbled down the national economic rankings. It is decisions like freezing the university’s housing and education developments that are causing it.
Business is rightly up in arms, standing with Labor to call for the legislation to be abandoned.
By standing with the Greens and the anti-everything crowd, Jeremy Rockliff has made it clear that Labor is the only pro-jobs, pro-development, future-focused party in Tasmania today.
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
