The Tasmanian Labor Party has watered down its proposal to abolish the Office of the Coordinator General in Launceston.
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If it forms government at the next election, due in March, the opposition has previously pledged to close the office.
When asked about Labor’s policy position on Thursday, Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon disagreed the office would close.
“Labor has not proposed the closure of the Launceston office,” he said.
“We have committed to maintaining a strong presence for economic development, investment and business support, based in Launceston.”
The Launceston Chamber of Commerce called on the Labor Party to abandon the policy – citing the coordinator-general’s role in the University of Tasmania relocation as one reason to keep it operating.
“There are even more [projects] in the planning phase and the office is central to much of this activity,” chamber chief executive Neil Grose said.
Mr Bacon said Labor was only proposing to “refocus the activities of the office to transform Launceston into a hub for the development and rejuvenation of surrounding regions”.
“Labor has been working constructively with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Industry to understand what currently works well with the office and what can be improved,” he said.
“There is certainly a need for KPIs and stronger reporting structures back to government departments, however our vision also requires some changes to how the office currently operates.”
Labor members have previously criticised the transparency of the office and said there was not enough evidence of its achievements.
In 2014 the Liberal Government established the office to act “as a single point of contact” for investment.
Liberal Bass MHA, Sarah Courtney, said the office attracted and drove business opportunities.
“The Coordinator-General’s office has helped create 5000 jobs and driven major projects,” she said.