Labor Leader, Rebecca White, today met with Westbury residents who are furious about the Liberal Government's decision to put a maximum security prison on their doorstep with no consultation.
Ms White said it was clear that Elise Archer and the Liberals had completely botched the community consultation process.
"There is significant community concern about building a maximum security prison in Westbury," Ms White said.
"The community also has a long list of questions that have not been answered - including how many jobs will actually be created in the town.
"Liberal Member for Lyons, Guy Barnett, has broken ranks to describe the concerns of residents as "legitimate.
"What is the government doing to address these concerns, and why isn't the Premier, Will Hodgman, here to listen to the community in person?
"Labor recognises the need for a new correctional facility in Northern Tasmania but the Liberals have not made the case that Westbury is the only site, or even the best site, for it to be built.
"We don't know if this is the most suitable site, because the Government is refusing to release the other 9 sites that were shortlisted.
"The most concerning thing about this process is the secrecy and lack of transparency that has become a hallmark of this government."
Rebecca White, MP
Labor Leader
