Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Government is supporting local and Australian jobs as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed replacement of TT-Line’s passenger ferries represents a significant investment by the State, which could provide opportunities for Tasmanian and Australian businesses to play a role in the construction of the new vessels.
In order to investigate this opportunity, a Taskforce has now been established to identify local procurement, purchasing and manufacturing options for the new vessels to ensure we can maximise the benefits for Tasmanian and Australian businesses and the people they employ.
The Taskforce includes representation from the Departments of Treasury and Finance and State Growth, TT-Line Company Pty Ltd and a representative of the Federal Government. It will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance, Tony Ferrall. The other Taskforce members are:
- Mr Kim Evans, Secretary, Department of State Growth
- Mr Craig Limkin, Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Mr Bernard Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer, TT-Line Company Pty Ltd
- Mr Sacha De Re, Assistant Secretary, Federal Department of Finance; and
- Rear Admiral (Rtd) Steve Gilmore AM, Tasmanian Defence Advocate
All members bring a wealth of business and industry knowledge and experience to the Taskforce. In ensuring TT-Line representation on the Taskforce it will also be able to draw upon the vessel replacement advice and the existing body of work undertaken by TT-Line.
The Taskforce will work closely with TT-Line, our advanced manufacturing industry and key business stakeholders to determine the best way forward, with the Taskforce to make its recommendations to Government in the next three to six months.
This is important for our manufacturing sector and we are proud to explore the option for this significant investment to support Tasmanian and Australian businesses.
The Tasmanian Government remains committed to replacing the Spirit of Tasmania vessels before they approach the end of their optimal lifespan in 2028.
