Today, the Premier could not answer basic questions about the new Spirits project.  He could not explain:

• Why work has not started on berth 3 upgrades needed for the new Spirits to operate;
• The cost of interim works to berth 1, or when they will likely be completed; and
• Whether the new spirits will be able to operate, fully loaded with passengers and freight, at berth 1.

The new Spirits are long-overdue and much anticipated.  But the project is now at least five years overdue and $500 million over budget.

We are now staring down the barrel of seeing Spirit 4 sitting, ready for service, with no port infrastructure available for it to fully operate from for months.

The Premier refuses to answer questions, won’t take questions on notice and refuses to take responsibility.

However the more we find out about how the replacement project has been handled, the more it becomes clear that the Liberals have monumentally stuffed it up – greatly eating into the benefits the new ships promise to bring.

The fact no one is being held responsible is staggering.  There is no apology, no explanation – just more secrecy.

Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality