The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for all Territorians, including taking a responsible approach to inherited infrastructure projects.
The Northern Territory Art Gallery project in the Darwin CBD was significantly underfunded and is now estimated to be more than $100 million over budget.
This pet project of the former Labor government was committed to without a business case, without proper consultation and without an operational funding plan.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has decided the future use and operation of the site will be subject to a public Expression of Interest (EoI) process to identify the most cost effective and impactful use of the building, which is currently under construction.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls said while the CLP Government was committed to completing the building, rather than allowing it to become another underfunded Labor project or become a stranded asset, it was time for action.
"Rather than simply accept what we have inherited, we want to go to market and ensure we are achieving the most effective model going forward for the benefit of all Territorians," said Mr Charls.
"The Territory can't afford to build something we can't operate or maintain but this is Labor's legacy we have been left to clean up.
"By seeking proposals from multiple potential operators, with a view to selecting a model of operation that best contributes to rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory's lifestyle, we can be open to alternative funding opportunities outside of the Northern Territory Government.
"This is yet another example of the Labor government announcing grand projects with no planning, no business case, no funding and no thought for delivery."
The open EoI process will allow interested parties to apply to operate the site as part of a competitive process and, therefore, articulate in detail the potential costs involved to operate, the benefits to the community and specific model used to maximise the possibilities the site offers.
This process will be led by a taskforce comprising key government agencies, including Department of People, Sport and Culture, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Department of Treasury and Finance, and Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
The taskforce will draft and manage the EoI to invite proposals from all interested parties.
"This is our government's year of action, certainty and security and that's exactly what we are delivering," said Mr Charls.
