Jeremy Rockliff's continued support of Michael Ferguson is a failure of leadership.

Minister Ferguson is responsible for the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmanian history. The new Spirits project is five years delayed, $500 million over budget and when the ships eventually arrive, they will have nowhere to berth.

Tasmanians care about the Spirits project because they understand the importance of the vessels to our economy. They know their importance to tourism, trade and for Tasmanians who want to travel the country and know they have been completely let down by Michael Ferguson.

If a fiasco of this magnitude had occurred in any private sector business, the person responsible would have been sacked a long time ago.

Labor should not have to do the Premier's job for him. But given the complete failure of leadership on display from the Premier, I can confirm Labor will bring a motion of no confidence in Michael Ferguson.

I can also confirm we have received clear advice that debating this motion will not impact the passage of the State Budget this week.

Michael Ferguson has shown he’s not up to the job. If the Government are serious about getting the Spirits project back on track and fixing the state’s finances, then Michael Ferguson can’t be involved.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader