Felix Ellis MP has repeatedly refused to confirm whether the government will release an updated cost estimate for the Macquarie Point stadium before parliament returns next week.
A motion passed by the lower house in May called for the updated figure to be tabled when parliament sits again, after conflict in the Middle East drove up construction prices.
He would not give a direct answer when asked multiple times whether the government would comply.
“Of course there’ll be updated information as we work through the tender process, but it’s important that that process is allowed to run its course,” Ellis said.
Pressed for a yes or no answer, he said transparency would come “at the appropriate times” and pointed to the competitive tender process involving two bidders.
“While we’re in the competitive tender bidding process, it’s important that that’s supported,” he said.
Asked whether the government could sign off on a significant price increase without public discussion, Ellis accused the Greens of trying to block the project.
“We know that the Greens have always been opposed to it and they’ll do everything that they can to get in the way and block it,” he said.
When reminded parliament approved the stadium on the basis it would cost $1.13 billion and asked whether any increase should prompt public debate, Ellis said he would not “go into hypotheticals.”
He referred further questions about parliamentary processes to “the relevant minister.”
The Liberals voted against the original motion in May.
Greens treasury spokesperson Vica Bayley said the government must honour the will of parliament and make the updated cost estimate public.
“Few people genuinely believe that the $1.13 billion cost estimate for the stadium, developed before this major global event, would still stand,” Bayley said.
He said industry bodies had repeatedly warned of major project budgets increasing, with cost blowouts evident on projects around the globe.
“On a project which has already seen multiple budget blowouts before construction has even begun, it’s vitally important Tasmanians know just how much the stadium is set to cost them,” he said.
Bayley questioned whether the Liberals would “defy the will of the House and keep the true stadium cost secret at MPDC’s behest”.
“Or will they allow the scrutiny needed of the biggest infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history,” he asked.
The Greens are calling on the government to release the updated figure when parliament resumes.
