The Hodgman Minority Government has reaffirmed its support for a new northern prison at Westbury despite overwhelming opposition from residents.
Today in Parliament, Will Hodgman, Elise Archer, Guy Barnett and Mark Shelton fully backed the Government's proposal to build a maximum-security prison on the doorstep of the historic town, despite hundreds turning out in opposition at the weekend.
Shadow Minister for Corrections, Ella Haddad, said the people of Westbury were desperate to have their voices heard after the Government botched the consultation process.
"Westbury residents have a right to know why their historic town was chosen as the preferred site for this prison and are angry the Government has spent $115,000 on consultants to front community concerns while its members have gone to ground," Ms Haddad said.
Labor Member for Lyons, Jen Butler, said Labor did not believe Westbury was the right site for a prison.
"Labor recognises the need for a new correctional facility in Northern Tasmania but we agree with residents at Westbury that there would be more appropriate sites," Ms Butler said.
"The Government must stop this secrecy and release the list of the nine shortlisted sites so the people of northern Tasmania can make an informed decision on where the prison should be built."
Today in Parliament, Will Hodgman, Elise Archer, Guy Barnett and Mark Shelton fully backed the Government's proposal to build a maximum-security prison on the doorstep of the historic town, despite hundreds turning out in opposition at the weekend.
Shadow Minister for Corrections, Ella Haddad, said the people of Westbury were desperate to have their voices heard after the Government botched the consultation process.
"Westbury residents have a right to know why their historic town was chosen as the preferred site for this prison and are angry the Government has spent $115,000 on consultants to front community concerns while its members have gone to ground," Ms Haddad said.
Labor Member for Lyons, Jen Butler, said Labor did not believe Westbury was the right site for a prison.
"Labor recognises the need for a new correctional facility in Northern Tasmania but we agree with residents at Westbury that there would be more appropriate sites," Ms Butler said.
"The Government must stop this secrecy and release the list of the nine shortlisted sites so the people of northern Tasmania can make an informed decision on where the prison should be built."
Jen Butler MP – Labor Member for Lyons
Ella Haddad MP – Shadow Minister for Corrections
