Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
In an astonishing revelation, Labor is running an anti-Tasmanian, anti-jobs campaign and acting more like European Trade Ambassadors than members elected to represent Tasmanians*.
It beggars belief that Rebecca White and Shane Broad are out there flying the flag for Finland in the media, and have given up on Australian and Tasmanian businesses and jobs.
They are so far off the mark that even Federal Labor doesn’t support their stance**.
With such a significant investment at stake, it makes sense to have a look at any ways we can maximise Tasmanian jobs in the replacement of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
The Liberal Government is unashamedly backing Tasmanian manufacturers and jobs at a time of increased unemployment due to the pandemic; Rebecca White and Labor are pro-European jobs.
We have already seen significant interest from Tasmanian and Australian companies, thinking boldly and putting their hands up to be part of this major job-creating, investment-generating project.
This early interest alone vindicates the Government’s prudent action on this matter and is the reason the Taskforce has been established – to investigate opportunities for Australian businesses to play a greater role in the replacement of the TT-Line vessels.
We look forward to the Taskforce’s recommendations on the best way forward.
The Tasmanian Government remains committed to replacing the vessels before they approach the end of their optimal replacement date of 2028.
*https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/6891106/labor-backs-finnish-shipyard-for-spirit-build/?cs=12
**https://twitter.com/polley_helen/status/1297662170667180032
