''It is my intention to support MONA ongoing - that has been the work of my life,''he told theHerald yesterday. The museum has''significant possibilities''.
''In saying that,the retrospective tax bill is not something that I can service. It is,in fact,more than 100 per cent of the money I've made. But I expect a negotiated settlement. I'm not just saying that - I fully expect to get an outcome.''
The comments from Mr Walsh,a professional gambler and art collector who founded and owns the museum,come after the Australian Taxation Office gave him a bill for the 2004 to 2006 financial years of nearly $38 million plus interest.
He is appealing against the bill and the Tax Office's ruling,and the case is set to go before the Federal Court next month.
The Tax Office alleged that an international gambling syndicate,including Mr Walsh,operated a billion-dollar business and tried to hide details of its operations.
Mr Walsh said the tax bill meant he had put on hold expansion plans for the museum. But of it continuing to stay open,he said:''It's position is precarious if[the tax dispute] ends up in court and I am a complete loser,which of course I do not expect. I've got significant grounds to have faith.''
The former Greens leader Bob Brown has called on the Treasurer,Wayne Swan,to intervene in the case,saying the museum is a great asset for Tasmania.