The Liberal Government needs to explain how many Tasmanian jobs will be created with the build of the replacement Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Shane Broad said the proposal on the table from Austal was for jobs to be created in the Philippines.
"The proposal by Austal would see construction happening at a yard that has no experience building the type of vessels we need for Bass Strait. The company has also been accused of bringing in Filipino labour into Australia and paying them $9 per hour.
"Michael Ferguson wants to talk about creating jobs for Tasmanians, but he can't point to anywhere in the process where that will happen.
"The Bass Strait route is vital for key Tasmanian industries like tourism, aquaculture and agriculture - if the government gets this wrong it will cost jobs rather than create them.
"This project is far too important to play petty politics with and Tasmania should not be used as a guinea pig.
"The government needs to explain how it will ensure the replacement vessels are high quality and fit for purpose and how many jobs will be created for Tasmanians."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
