The Tasmanian Government has parted ways with TT-Line Chairman Mike Grainger, asking for his resignation and accepting it immediately.
The move comes after months of reported tension between the government and the Spirit of Tasmania operator, with Minister’s Eric Abetz and Michael Ferguson saying the relationship had become “untenable”.
“The government is committed to delivering the new Spirits and the infrastructure to support their arrival,” a statement issued late on Wednesday read.
“The Tasmanian Government is confident that the project can now move forward, collaboratively and in partnership with TT-Line, TasPorts and the Department of State Growth.”
The decision to remove Grainger’s term was due to expire in November. follows a search for his replacement that was launched in July, as his term was due to expire in November.
Before he was ousted on Wednesday night, Grainger said the TT-Line board was looking forward to “setting the record straight” regarding evidence presented to a public accounts committee hearing earlier in the week.
Grainger said the board stands by its recent decisions, particularly those related to paying additional funds to Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) to complete the two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
“Out of respect for the PAC (public accounts committee) process, while noting the significant community interest in the matter, we will be providing our factually correct evidence to the PAC first,” he said.
Labor leader Dean Winter said took to X say: “The Chairman was about to tell the truth to the Public Accounts Committee. It terrified Jeremy Rockliff. So he sacked him.”
“As of yesterday, Tasmania’s biggest infrastructure project was five years overdue and $500 million over budget,” Winter wrote.
“But the Tasmanian Liberal Government had full confidence in the Chairman and Board of TT-Line.”
“But today, the Chairman outlined that he would give evidence against the Deputy Premier of Tasmania. He was removed immediately.”
“That’s how accountability works in Jeremy Rockliff’s government.”
More on this story: Government intervenes to ‘fix delays’ in Spirit of Tasmania berth construction project
