Tourism industry slams government delays on ‘Spirits’

Tasmanian Labor
  • Delays putting tourism investment and jobs at risk
  • COVID does not justify the government’s action
  • TT-Line proposal should be supported
  • The tourism industry says investment and jobs are being put at risk because of delays imposed by the government in replacing the Spirit of Tasmania vessels.

    Tourism Industry Council CEO Luke Martin has come out strongly in support of the TT-Line’s original ship replacement proposal and has questioned the government’s moves to undercut the board’s decision-making.

    Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Shane Broad said we heard in the Public Accounts Committee today that the government had twice signed off on the TT-Line board’s recommendation for the Spirits, before it did a total backflip and pulled the contract.

    “Peter Gutwein has used COVID-19 as the justification for his decision,” Dr Broad said.

    “But today Mr Martin made it clear delaying the delivery of the new Spirits until 2028 would hurt the tourism industry.

    “We agree with the Tourism Industry Council’s view that it’s all well and good to examine ways of having more Australian input but this shouldn’t be justification for changing the business case and putting jobs and investment in key Tasmanian industries at risk.

    “The government’s chaotic decision making and a delay until 2028 is damaging TT-Line, with potential long term fallout for the tourism and fresh freight sectors.”

    Shane Broad MP

    Shadow Minister for Infrastructure

    /Public Release. View in full here.