The state government is facing backlash after putting out an expression of interest for a private operator to run the Hastings Cave Visitor Centre and Thermal Springs, a move critics say breaks a clear election promise.
CPSU General Secretary Thirza White said the government was walking away from a public investment that could’ve delivered long-term returns.
“Instead of honouring its 2021 promise to invest $3 million in Hastings, this government is walking away from a public redevelopment that could have delivered long-term revenue for Tasmania and handing the opportunity to the private operator instead,” White said.
“Hastings Caves State Reserve is a public asset, not a private business opportunity, the Rockliff government should be investing in it for the public good, not outsourcing Tasmania’s natural heritage for private profit.”
The government has refuted the criticism, saying the site will remain publicly owned and are “simply seeking an operator”.
The government said it has not withdrawn the $3 million pledged during the 2021 election to redevelop the site.
Deputy Labor Leader Janie Finlay said the premier had been caught out lying to Tasmanians.
Finlay said Jeremy Rockliff had promised less than 12 months ago there’d be “no privatisation” under his government.
“This is what happens after 13 years of Liberal waste and mismanagement – they cut health, cut jobs, break promises and offload public assets to pay for their mess,” Finlay said.
Parks Minister Nick Duigan hit back, calling the criticism a “misinformation campaign by Labor”.
“This is a publicly owned site, we are simply seeking an operator,” Duigan said.
