Despite leaving several questions still be answered, this morning’s Public Accounts Committee hearing has delivered a body blow to Treasurer Michael Ferguson and the Liberal minority government just days before the state budget is delivered, with TT-Line acting chair Damian Bugg providing evidence confirming that Michael Ferguson misled a Parliamentary Committee.

Mr Bugg told the Committee that TT-Line sent a letter to Treasurer Ferguson on 25 April 2022 advising him of a $13 million price increase in the contract amount for the new Spirits ships. But Michael Ferguson told the Parliamentary Committee six months later that the price of the contract had not changed.

It could not be any clearer. The price of the contract had changed, the Minister had been made aware of that fact in writing, yet he told the Parliamentary Committee it had not.

Under Michael Ferguson’s watch, the Spirits project has spiralled into the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmania’s history – and there is now confirmation he has mislead a Parliamentary Committee over cost blowouts.

As Parliament returns tomorrow, Michael Ferguson must take the first opportunity to answer for his actions.

Anita Dow MP
Deputy Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure