not Tasmania
create them
The
Liberal Government needs to explain how many Tasmanian jobs will be created
with the build of the replacement Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Shadow
Minister for Infrastructure Shane Broad said the proposal on the table from
Austal was for jobs to be created in the Philippines.
“The
proposal by Austal would see construction happening at a yard that has no
experience building the type of vessels we need for Bass Strait. The company
has also been accused of bringing in Filipino labour into Australia and paying
them $9 per hour.
“Michael
Ferguson wants to talk about creating jobs for Tasmanians, but he can’t point
to anywhere in the process where that will happen.
“The
Bass Strait route is vital for key Tasmanian industries like tourism,
aquaculture and agriculture – if the government gets this wrong it will cost
jobs rather than create them.
“This
project is far too important to play petty politics with and Tasmania should
not be used as a guinea pig.
“The government needs to explain how it will ensure the replacement vessels are high quality and fit for purpose and how many jobs will be created for Tasmanians.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
