Hodgman and Ferguson in denial over new Spirits

Tasmanian Labor
  • Liberals preferred shipbuilder behind schedule
    • Hodgman and Ferguson in hiding over delivery timelines
    • Public have a right to know

    Revelations today that the German shipbuilder handpicked by the Hodgman Government to deliver the new Spirits of Tasmania is experiencing serious delays with current projects casts further doubts over the delivery of the new vessels.

    Shadow Infrastructure Minister Shane Broad said Will Hodgman and Michael Ferguson are still desperately clinging to their previous statements that the vessels would be delivered next year but their promises look more unlikely as each day passes.

    “The Liberals promised the new vessels would be delivered in 2021 but the (German shipbuilder) FSG is way behind schedule on other projects and we’re no closer to cutting steel on Tasmania’s new ships,” Dr Broad said.

    “TT-Line said in GBE Estimates that the first vessel would be delivered in March next year.

    “Tasmanians have a right to know if Will Hodgman and Michael Ferguson are going to meet their deadlines or if this is just another broken promise.

    “The Liberals have a terrible track record on infrastructure. They either delay or don’t build it, or like the Bridgewater Bridge and the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment they completely bungle the build and Tasmanians are forced to ask why they’re faced with massive blowouts to timelines and budgets.

    “We need to know today when building the new vessels will start and when they will be delivered so that tourism operators, businesses and exporters can plan their investments and passengers can look forward to more capacity.

    “It doesn’t look like the Government is even sure who’ll be doing the building.”

    Shane Broad

    Shadow Minister for Infrastructure

    /Public Release. View in full here.