Is Jeremy Rockliff committed to Michael Ferguson’s patch job at Berth 1 at Devonport, and if so, how much it will cost?

Ferguson’s so-called resignation won’t distract from the ongoing problems facing the new Spirits project. 

There are serious concerns around the cost, benefit, safety, and deliverability of the project. I am also concerned that this is a public relations distraction that will slow down the upgrade of the actual project at berth 3.

Let’s not forget Michael Ferguson directed TasPorts and TT-Line to upgrade Berth 1 as a temporary fix for his failures at Berth 3. He did so without knowing the project’s key details and wrote a blank cheque to mitigate the PR damage.  

Even when the interim upgrades are completed, the new Spirits will only be able to operate at half capacity form Berth 1. The project is five years behind schedule and more than $500 million over budget.

This is already the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmania’s history, it doesn’t need the Liberal Minority Government making it any worse.

Labor’s focus is squarely on acting responsibly in Tasmania’s best interests. The new Spirits project, when fully delivered, will be a great thing for the Tasmanian economy.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality

Anita Dow MP
Deputy Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure