Thursday 10 November 2016
Hansard of the Legislative Council

University of Tasmania - Naming Rights Sponsorship Agreement

Mr FINCH question on behalf of Ms RATTRAY to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

[2.31 p.m.]

Madam Acting President is aware I have questions to ask because I am doing so on her half.

With the release of the Tasmanian Community Fund Annual Report where it shows the University of Tasmania has received significant grant funding between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 totalling approximately $230 000:

(1)  What is the Tasmanian Government's view in light of the University of Tasmania entering into a naming rights sponsorship agreement for an undisclosed figure with the Launceston City Council when it has gained significant Tasmanian community funds? 

(2)  Would the Government support the current guidelines for qualifying for grant funding through the Tasmanian Community Fund being reassessed?

ANSWER

Madam Acting President, I thank the honourable member for Rosevears for the honourable member for Apsley's questions.

All Tasmanian Community Fund - TCF - grant recipients enter into a formal grant deed which specifies funding may only be used for the approved purpose of the grant.  Each grant deed also requires recipients to provide reporting and acquittal documentation to the satisfaction of the TCF.  This may include independent auditing.  Under its governing legislation, the TCF board is independent and may award grants for community purposes as it sees fit in accordance with that legislation.  For this reason TCF funding guidelines are a matter best addressed by the TCF board, as it is responsible for setting and administering them.