Tasmanian politicians are putting pressure on the Federal government to decide how to spend a $16 million grant promised for the Cadbury chocolate factory in Hobart.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott allocated the money during the 2013 federal election campaign to develop a new visitor centre, allowing Cadbury's popular factory tours to resume, ABC News reports.
Last week the chocolate-maker declined the funding because it could not commit to a 20 per cent increase in exports required by the Government as a condition of the grant.
Federal Employment Minister and Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz could not guarantee the money would be reallocated during this term of government.
"I would hope that this money could be allocated before the next election because it is important that we keep building on the recovery that is clearly place in Tasmania now," he said.
Premier Will Hodgman said he wanted a fast decision.
"We want to see it having maximum impact," he said.
"We look forward to the Federal Government commencing its process and concluding it at the earliest opportunity."
Tasmanian Labor Senator Lisa Singh said the Government was wasting time.
"There is absolutely no reason why this Abbott Government should be sitting on its hands any longer," she said.
"I think Tasmanians have waited long enough, it's been 18 months now."
Tourism Industry Council spokesman Luke Martin said a quick but smart investment was needed.
"What we need to avoid is a politically-driven direction of funding," he said.