The delayed arrival of Tasmania’s new Spirit of Tasmania ferries has been labeled a “national embarrassment” and potentially “the biggest infrastructure stuff-up in Australian history”.
This scathing assessment comes from Labor leader Dean Winter, who is furious that the vessels, originally slated to begin service this year, won’t be operational until 2027.
“It’s even worse than anyone could have imagined,” he said.
“The additional delay will cost our tourism industry another $500 million.”
The fiasco has already claimed the Cabinet career of former Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.
Now, Winter has set his sights on Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
“He has been the Premier and Minister for Tourism since April 2022 and has not provided the oversight and leadership required for such an important project,” Winter said.
“The fact is, Jeremy Rockliff’s minority government has stuffed up the Spirits, mismanaged our GBEs and let down our tourism industry.”
Premier Rockliff confirmed that ferry operator TT-Line plans to lease out the first new vessel, which is nearing completion and due to arrive in Tasmania in the coming months.
He said all lease destinations are on the table, including Europe, Asia or New Zealand.
“And as soon as we have an answer, we will inform the Tasmanian public on that engagement process and indeed the success or otherwise of those leasing options,” he said.
But Winter dismissed this as damage control.
“When they do arrive, the Spirits will be second-hand,” he said.
“Tasmanian taxpayers have paid nearly a billion dollars for new ships, but it’s now another country’s tourism industry that will benefit first.”
