Nick McKim MP | Greens Member for Franklin
The Premier has joined Ministers Matthew Groom and Rene Hidding in refusing to reveal details of the secret ex-gratia payment relating to the South Arm Highway that was uncovered by the Greens in Budget Estimates.
When asked today in Question Time whether the Land Acquisitions Act was used, the Premier would only answer that the payments had been calculated in accordance with the ‘principles of’ the Act. That is very different to using the Act itself.
The government’s secrecy is now reaching farcical levels. If there is nothing to hide, there is no reason for the government to refuse to release details.
The fundamental question remains. Why was the Land Acquisitions Act not used to compensate for injurious impact when Section 27 (e) was designed specifically for that purpose?
The ex-gratia payment was made with money that belongs to the Tasmanian taxpayer. It is not Mr Hodgman’s money, and he would be well advised to start treating the Tasmanian people with a little more respect.