The Tasmanian business community has lost confidence in Jeremy Rockliff.  The biggest stuff up in Tasmanian history is impacting businesses all over the state and Jeremy Rockliff’s announcements continue to be contradicted by his Transport Minister and ignored by TT-Line.

The Spirits fiasco has ripped $3 billion worth of economic activity away from Tasmania, impacting dozens of small businesses reliant on the new ships. Its way past time for action.

One of the Tasmanian businesses impacted by the Liberals’ incompetence is run by local fisherman Jacob Chambers, who has been unable to transport his products to market on the mainland because he cannot book a return journey on the existing Spirits.

Without the certainty of additional booking capacity on the Spirits, businesses like Jacob’s will be forced to close. As businesses like Chambers Fishing geared up to be ready for the new Spirits, Jeremy Rockliff’s Liberal Government was fighting amongst itself.

It is way past time for action.  Jeremy Rockliff claimed that he would increase double sailings, and they would be available within 48 hours.  It has now been three days, and our analysis shows TT-Line has added just two new sailings.  Two.

This is a total mess.  On Sunday we had Eric Abetz insisting there would be no additional sailings, while on Monday, Jeremy Rockliff committed to adding more.  In the end they added just two - in April.

Jeremy Rockliff doesn’t need a Tardis, he needs a backbone.  He must demand that Eric Abetz and TT-Line work the existing boats as hard as possible to back in Tasmanians like Jacob who just want a fair go from our ferries.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality