The Premier needs to explain an apparent blowout in the cost of the shambolic replacement of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, to at least $1 billion.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Shane Broad said the government must also release the overdue report into the replacement ships by the Minister Michael Ferguson’s taskforce.
“Under the original contract signed with German shipbuilder FSG in 2018, the delivery of the new Spirits was put at $688 million,” Dr Broad said.
“By the time the Premier announced a deal with Finnish builder RMC was being put on hold last year, the project cost had blown out to $850 million dollars.
“But today, in Question Time, Peter Gutwein referred to the “billion-dollar project,” revealing yet another unexplained blowout in the cost.
“On top of that, the Minister’s taskforce report on the Spirits is already a month overdue, meaning the project is surrounded by uncertainty.
“The first of the new Spirits was supposed to have been delivered this year but, instead, Tasmanian businesses are being left hanging, with the Premier again talking about a 2028 timeframe.
“A report by leading economist Saul Eslake concluded that each year of delay could cost Tasmania’s tourism industry $350 million, and prevent the creation of up to 6000 jobs.
“There is no more time to waste. This government needs to release the taskforce report, spell out its plans to give tourism and freight companies the certainty they need and deserve, and get on with creating jobs for Tasmanians.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
