When facing the Public Accounts Committee in March*, Minister Eric Abetz noticeably dodged questions about whether or not Berth 3 in Devonport remained on track to meet its new, already years delayed completion date of early 2027.
The Minister couldn't say whether new Berth 3 project manager Paul Kirkwood had confidence in achieving the goal, instead kicking the can down the road and indicating that "hopefully things will be clearer by about this time next month."
We're now at the end of April, and the Minister's 'this time next month' deadline has passed. Just like so many others about the Spirits fiasco, the question remains unanswered.
One of the minority Rockliff Government's biggest failings throughout the Spirits saga has been its inability to be open and transparent about the project. The cover up has been just as bad as the crime.
Now his self-imposed deadline has passed, Minister Abetz must come clean about whether or not the Berth 3 project remains on track.
Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Finance
* Public Accounts Committee - Friday 14 March 2025
CHAIR - You'll provide us with current, up-to-date timelines, is what you're suggesting?
