Vic: State govt pressured over BHP centre in Adelaide

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2000
Vic: State govt pressured over BHP centre in Adelaide

MELBOURNE, April 6 AAP - The state government came under pressure in parliament today
over BHP's decision to base a $120 million business service centre in Adelaide.

The opposition asked whether the government "was asleep at the wheel" and said Victoria
had already lost Virgin Airlines to Brisbane.

Opposition leader Denis Napthine said BHP, which had its headquarters in Melbourne,
had lost the investment to South Australia.

"Why has the government failed to secure those 500 jobs for Victoria?" he asked.

Mr Bracks said BHP's new chief executive, Paul Anderson, had made it clear to him that
the company's headquarters would remain in Victoria.

He dismissed Dr Napthine's question as ridiculous, saying BHP was seeking to diversify
its interests around Australia.

Deputy opposition leader Louise Asher called on Mr Bracks to confirm whether Victoria
had bid for the service centre, asking "was his government asleep at the wheel?"

Premier Steve Bracks said he had had regular discussions with Mr Anderson.

Dr Napthine said in a statement that securing investment was a hallmark of the previous
government.

"Queensland has already gloated over snatching Virgin Airlines, and now we have South
Australia crowing over this latest steal from Victoria," he said.

"Unfortunately, the Bracks Labor government just doesn't have the expertise or skill
to attract investment when there is competition from rival states."

AAP lmw/er/ah

KEYWORD: BHP VIC

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