Why isn't Premier Will Hodgman meeting with the German shipbuilder, Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, in charge of constructing the two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels during his European trade mission next week?
Shadow Infrastructure Minister, Shane Broad, said Tasmanians are sick of being kept in the dark about the delivery of the two new Government-owned TT-Line, Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
"TT-Line signed a $688 million contract with shipbuilder FSG to deliver two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels in 2021 to replace the current ferries," Dr Broad said.
"The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels represent the single largest purchase in the state's history and we know the German shipyard contracted to build the new vessels is in trouble - so why would Will Hodgman go all the way to Europe and not make it a priority to meet with the contractors?
"This is yet another example of Will Hodgman's hands-off approach to infrastructure.
"TT-Line has been silent since February and the release of their annual report provides no update on expected delivery of the new vessels.
"Tasmanians need to be reassured that these vessels will be delivered on time and on budget, and that taxpayers' money is safe.
"Already this year, three TT-Line staff have flown to Europe for a crisis meeting with the troubled shipyard and now we are being told TT-line is looking at other shipyards.
"This is the perfect opportunity for Will Hodgman to meet with the contracted shipbuilders, so he can tell Tasmanians exactly what is going on, and make the delivery of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels a real priority.
"The Spirit of Tasmania vessels are critical to Tasmania's economy. This project is far too important to fall victim to this Will Hodgman's mismanagement."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Infrastructure Minsiter
