Independent MP Craig Garland has welcomed the state government’s decision to abandon efforts to lease out the newest Spirit of Tasmania ferry, calling it a “small but significant win”.
Garland, who has long called for the ship to return to Tasmania, described the move as a “small but significant win” off the back of pressure from the community.
“Finally, the government has come to their senses … thanks to the growing call to bring them home by Members of Parliament and time running out for TT-Line to negotiate any deal,” he said.
“When the community is calling for action, decisions like this are not hard to make for the GBEs and the government of the day.”
“I look forward to finding other areas where the answers are obvious despite hesitation for the government to act.”
Transport Minister Eric Abetz confirmed on Sunday that the state government had directed TT-Line to cease negotiations.
“TT-Line has been engaging with a broker in good faith, however it has become evident that an agreement will not be reached,” he said.
“As a result, TT-Line has been instructed to continue preparations to relocate the vessel to Tasmania.”
The decision follows leaked reports that the Scottish Government was in discussions to lease the ship as temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees, a proposal that was met with uproar from opposition MPs and the community.
A Scottish Government spokesperson later denied that leasing the vessel was part of their plans, while Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to rule out the possibility.
