Regional businesses seeking clarity from Gutwein Government

Tasmanian Labor
  • Delays on Spirits replacement causing uncertainty
  • Drive tourism will be key to recovery
  • Tourism operators need ongoing support
  • The Liberal Government must provide a greater level of certainty and support for Tasmania’s regional businesses.

    Labor Leader Rebecca White has heard from business operators and groups in the north west of the state which have been extremely hard hit by the impact of the pandemic.

    “These operators are crying out for a clear way forward,” Ms White said.

    “One of the key drivers of tourism for our state is visitors travelling here on the Spirits of Tasmania, but with Peter Gutwein pushing out the replacement timeframe for the vessels until 2028, tourism operators are worried.

    “The Spirits drive tourism in this region and are a key part of the state’s T21 strategy, but the uncertainty created by Peter Gutwein and Michael Ferguson is frustrating the tourist and hospitality sectors across the coast.

    “The increase in capacity with the replacement of the vessels will help bring more tourists to the state.

    “They cannot afford the uncertainty the government has caused by delaying replacement of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels.

    “We know tourism underpins Tasmania’s economy more so than any other state or territory, and the government must act to stop the confusion so these vitally important businesses can confidently start to rebuild.”

    Rebecca White MP

    Labor Leader

    /Public Release. View in full here.